How to Make the Perfect Chicken Souvlaki with Pita
Greek · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Tender chunks of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection with a smoky char. Served with warm pita, fresh tomatoes, and tzatziki, it is a beloved Greek street food that is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Why this recipe works
This Chicken Souvlaki with Pita recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 700 grams boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 pieces Greek pita bread
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes, toss well to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Thread and Prepare Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto the skewers, leaving no gaps so the meat stays moist during cooking.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful char marks on all sides.
Step 4: Warm Pita and Serve
Briefly warm the pita bread on the grill for 30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred. Serve the skewers with warm pita, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → chicken breast or pork tenderloin cut into equal cubes
- dried Greek oregano → fresh oregano or a blend of dried thyme and marjoram
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using chicken breast without adjusting cooking time, which results in dry and tough meat
- Skipping the marinating step and grilling immediately, which produces bland and less tender chicken
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 42g protein, 28g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.
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