Name: Sizzling Greek Chicken Souvlaki: A Mediterranean Grill Masterpiece Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp sea salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 red onion, quartered into wedges; 4 pita bread, warmed; 1 cup tzatziki sauce, homemade or store-bought; 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Introduction

Sizzling Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant Mediterranean dish bursting with fresh flavors and smoky grilled aromas. Perfect for a casual dinner or a summer barbecue, this recipe brings tender marinated chicken with colorful veggies straight to your plate. Serve it with warm pita and creamy tzatziki for an authentic experience.

Two grilled chicken skewers lie on a dark wooden board. Each skewer has five layers, alternating with browned chicken pieces that have black grill marks, slices of bright yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, and purple onion with light char edges. The chicken looks juicy with a slightly rough texture. In the blurred background, a bowl with creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs and pieces of flatbread are visible, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)

0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

4 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp smoked paprika

0.5 tsp sea salt

0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)

1 red onion (quartered into wedges)

4 pita bread (warmed)

1 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss until evenly coated, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with red bell pepper chunks and red onion wedges.

Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve the souvlaki with warm pita bread, a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, and lemon wedges for squeezing.

Tips & Variations

For juicier chicken, marinate overnight to let flavors fully meld and tenderize the meat.

Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Swap the red bell pepper with yellow or green for a colorful presentation.

Try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or mint over the finished dish for extra brightness.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the souvlaki in a grill pan or under a broiler. Just be sure to turn the skewers often to get even cooking and char marks.

What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Boneless chicken thighs also work well and tend to stay more tender and juicy after grilling. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.