Zesty Green Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Fresh Summer Grilling

Crisp Mediterranean breezes dance through this green chicken souvlaki, promising a flavor adventure that whisks you straight to a sunny Greek taverna.

Skewered chunks of marinated poultry sing with vibrant herb notes and zesty seasonings.

Succulent meat transforms into a culinary masterpiece with simple ingredients and clever techniques.

Bright cilantro and parsley create an emerald-hued marinade that infuses each tender bite with incredible depth.

Charred edges and juicy centers guarantee a meal that impresses without complicated steps.

Minimal prep work means you can savor delicious results in under an hour.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a Mediterranean classic.

Proper Storage for Green Chicken Souvlaki

• Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken from sauce and pita to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil. Stir gently to prevent burning and restore moisture, heating for 2-3 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Chicken Souvlaki

• What type of chicken works best for souvlaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. They’re tender, absorb marinade well, and grill perfectly without becoming tough.

• Can I prepare the chicken marinade in advance?

Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate.

• Do I need special equipment to make souvlaki?

A grill or grill pan works best, but you can also use a regular skillet or broiler if needed. Metal or wooden skewers are helpful but optional.

Reasons to Love Green Chicken Souvlaki

• Savor Quick Greek Cuisine: Dive into a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Master Simple Grilling Techniques: Learn how to perfectly grill marinated chicken, creating juicy, charred pieces that burst with herbal and citrus notes.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Adapt the recipe with various toppings like feta, tomatoes, or red onions to match your personal taste preferences and make each serving unique.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Prepare a nutritious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for Green Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken Cubes: Tender meat pieces that absorb the marinade and provide the primary protein for the souvlaki.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: A classic Mediterranean blend that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright, herbaceous flavors.

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm flatbread that serves as the wrap for the souvlaki.
• Greek Yogurt, Dill: Creamy sauce that adds a cool, tangy complement to the grilled chicken.

• Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Feta Cheese: Fresh vegetables and cheese that provide crunch, additional flavor, and textural contrast to the grilled chicken.

How to Make Green Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add chicken cubes and toss until completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Skewer and Grill Chicken

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked with beautiful char marks.

Step 3: Create Creamy Yogurt Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Freshly chopped dill
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked black pepper

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Build Delicious Souvlaki Wrap

• Diced cucumber
• Generous dollop of yogurt sauce
• Optional extras: diced tomatoes
• Chopped red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Step 5: Wrap and Serve

Fold pita around chicken and toppings. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Best Green Chicken Souvlaki Results

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful souvlaki that stays tender during grilling.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for the full 2 hours before cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning on the grill.
• Use fresh herbs like dill and oregano for an authentic Greek taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Create a gluten-free version by serving the chicken over a salad or using lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.

Flavorful Twists on Green Chicken Souvlaki

• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace oregano with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and mint for a more complex herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade and swap lemon juice with orange and lime juice for a zesty, spicy version.
• Greek Island Style: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese directly into the marinade and use lemon-infused olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Smoky Paprika Chicken: Mix smoked paprika and cumin into the marinade for a deep, rich flavor with a subtle smokiness.

Pairing Recommendations for Green Chicken Souvlaki

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zesty lemon and herb-marinated chicken, cutting through its richness with bright acidity.
• Mediterranean Beverage Match: Pour a classic Greek ouzo or an ice-cold Mythos beer to enhance the souvlaki's traditional flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled meat's smoky profile.
• Citrus-Friendly Drink Option: Prepare a homemade lemonade with fresh mint and a touch of honey, mirroring the recipe's citrusy notes while offering a non-alcoholic, cooling accompaniment that balances the chicken's robust seasoning.

Green Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 47-51 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek street food magic comes alive with this green chicken souvlaki, delivering Mediterranean flavors straight to your plate. Marinated chicken skewers kissed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into cubes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 4 pita bread

Optional Toppings:

• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Immerse chicken cubes thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, around 400°F, creating ideal grilling conditions.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining even spacing between pieces.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating to achieve consistent charring and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Meanwhile, craft yogurt sauce by blending Greek yogurt with fresh dill, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance its creamy texture.
7. Warm pita bread briefly on grill or in oven to enhance its softness and create slight crispness.
8. Slide chicken off skewers directly onto warmed pita bread, maintaining its juicy presentation.
9. Layer additional ingredients like cucumber, diced tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese over chicken.
10. Generously dollop yogurt sauce across the assembled souvlaki, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
11. Fold pita edges inward, creating a compact, handheld meal ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Swap lean chicken breasts for thighs to boost flavor and moisture, ensuring juicier meat that won’t dry out during grilling.
• Create a gluten-free version by using lettuce wraps instead of traditional pita bread, perfect for low-carb diets or those with wheat sensitivities.
• Marinate chicken longer than 30 minutes for more intense herb and citrus flavors, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum taste.
• Prep skewers ahead of time and store in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals, making meal planning easier and more efficient.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg