Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Chicken: The main protein of the dish, cut into cubes for even cooking.

Olive oil: Used in the marinade to add richness and help infuse flavors into the chicken.

Garlic: Minced to release its pungent aroma and flavor, essential for the marinade.

Lemon juice: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the flavors in the marinade.

Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps tenderize the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the marinade.

To ensure your chicken souvlaki is juicy and flavorful, make sure to cut the chicken breast into uniform cubes. This allows for even cooking on the grill. When marinating, use a resealable plastic bag to evenly coat the chicken with the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano mixture. This method also makes it easy to massage the marinade into the meat, enhancing the flavor. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative for grilling in souvlaki.

• chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can absorb the marinade flavors well and provides a protein-rich alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for marinating and grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil that works well for marinating and cooking at high temperatures.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder garlic-like flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can mimic the tanginess of lemon juice, though it lacks the citrus notes.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, making it a good substitute.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning often contains oregano and can provide a similar herbal flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor, though it will alter the color slightly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt for a slightly different mineral taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the visible specks, offering a more uniform appearance.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick in place of black pepper.

• Allow the chicken souvlaki to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to enjoy the souvlaki later, wrap each skewer individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain the flavor and prevents freezer burn.

• For freezing, transfer the wrapped skewers into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken souvlaki in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even defrosting and maintains the texture.

• Reheat the souvlaki on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This revives the grilled flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

• Serve with fresh pita bread and a dollop of tzatziki sauce to recreate the original dining experience.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken souvlaki skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover them with another piece of foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

• For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This is perfect for when you're in a hurry but still want to enjoy that souvlaki goodness.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method gives the chicken a nice, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

• On the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken skewers in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This method revives the flavors and gives a nice sear to the chicken.

• If you have a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the chicken skewers with olive oil. Grill them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. This method brings back that freshly grilled taste and aroma.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the marinade ingredients and chicken cubes.

• Garlic press: A tool to efficiently mince the garlic cloves.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the chicken.

• Skewers: Used to thread the marinated chicken cubes for grilling.

• Grill: A cooking device to grill the chicken skewers to perfection.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken marinade the night before and let it soak overnight for maximum flavor and time-saving.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy pre-cut chicken breast to skip the chopping step and save time.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating the grill while you thread the chicken onto skewers to save time.

Ready-to-use skewers: Use metal skewers to avoid soaking wooden ones, saving prep time.

Serve with store-bought sides: Pair with ready-made pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a quick meal.