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chicken souvlaki

chicken souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki prepared fast, juicy, and flavorful. Experience Mediterranean taste with these healthy skewers and creamy yogurt sauce. Irresistible!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 skewers wooden or metal skewers if wooden, soak in water for at least 20 minutes
For the yogurt sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic finely grated
  • 2 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparing the chicken souvlaki
  1. In a bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
  3. Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning during grilling.
  4. When ready, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, distributing them evenly.
  5. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Preparing the yogurt sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  2. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving
  1. Arrange the cooked chicken souvlaki skewers on a plate. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and herbs, and serve with the yogurt sauce on the side.

Notes

Chicken souvlaki truly captures the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine with its vibrant flavor and remarkable versatility. This recipe is beloved for weeknight dinners, lively gatherings, or even cookouts under the sun—a crowd-pleaser that you can easily adjust to your taste or dietary needs.

Expert Tips for Perfect Souvlaki

  • Marinate with patience: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer, up to 2 hours) ensures maximum flavor absorption and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Skewer like a pro: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken. This simple step prevents burning on the grill.
  • Even cooking is essential: Cut chicken cubes uniformly and thread them without crowding the skewers for an evenly cooked, juicy result.

Ingredient Substitutions and Flavor Boosters

  • Make it your own: Swap chicken with pork, beef, or even halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
  • Add color and crunch: Include diced bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers for extra flair and nutrition.
  • Herbs & spices: Fresh oregano, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika elevate the aroma and complexity of each bite.

Techniques and Pro Tricks

  • Hot grill, quick cooking: Preheat your grill until it’s very hot before adding the skewers—this gives the chicken a golden sear and juicy center.
  • Yogurt sauce success: For the creamiest sauce, use thick Greek yogurt and fresh dill. Letting the sauce rest in the fridge intensifies the flavors.

Vibrant Serving Suggestions

  • Classic combo: Serve with warm pita bread, crisp Greek salad, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a complete meal.
  • Light and fresh: Pair with grilled vegetables, lemony rice, or a tangy tabbouleh for brighter accompaniments.
Cooking chicken souvlaki at home brings the taste of Greece to your table, while making it easy to tweak the flavors and presentation to delight your guests and family every time.