Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection on skewers, served with traditional Tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables. It's a flavorful and authentic taste of Greece, ideal for gatherings or a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 1/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
To Serve
- Greek pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (prepared separately)
- Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives
Optional Sides
- Greek salad
- Roasted garlic hummus
- Mezze platter
- Watermelon and cucumber salad
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In the bowl of a small food processor, combine garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice. Pulse until well blended, but do not add bay leaves yet.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a large bowl and add the bay leaves. Pour marinade over the chicken, tossing to ensure pieces are fully coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor. For a quicker marinating option, reduce time but note flavor impact.
- Prepare skewers and sides: Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes to prevent burning. Prepare tzatziki sauce and any additional sides such as Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, or mezze platter in advance.
- Thread chicken onto skewers: Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers evenly.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or griddle to medium-high. Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place chicken skewers on the grill, turning frequently to brown all sides. Cook for about 5 minutes total until internal temperature reaches 160°F; it will rise to 165°F while resting. Brush occasionally with reserved marinade, discarding any leftover marinade.
- Rest and warm pitas: Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, grill pitas briefly until warm and slightly charred.
- Assemble souvlaki pitas: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on warmed pita bread. Remove chicken pieces from skewers and add them onto the pita. Top with sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives.
- Serve with optional sides: Complement your souvlaki with Greek salad, watermelon salad, roasted garlic hummus, or a mezze platter for a full and festive dining experience.
Notes
- For quicker marinating, reduce marinade time to 30 minutes but expect slightly less flavor penetration.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If an outdoor grill is unavailable, use a grill pan or broiler on stovetop as alternatives.
- Reserve some marinade for basting during grilling but discard any leftover marinade that contacted raw chicken to avoid contamination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
