Many busy moms feel overwhelmed by the daily challenge of getting a tasty, healthy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Enter Chicken Souvlaki—your new go-to dinner that brings the taste of Greece straight to your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
The whole process feels effortless, yet the end result is a dinner that looks and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, green pepper, onion, and more
- Servings: 8
- Extras: For a complete meal, serve Chicken Souvlaki with pita bread, rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad.
- Tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor, and let it rest briefly before serving to keep it juicy and tender!
Fast & Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
I was thrilled to dive into this recipe, eager to see how a simple marinade can transform a few basic ingredients into a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Traditionally, Greek souvlaki skewers are a grilled dish (on wooden skewers to get a nice flavor), but making it inside with less time and making a twist on this dish was so easy.
I cube the boneless, skinless chicken breast, chop up a fresh green pepper, and finely dice some onion.
The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with that rich Mediterranean flavor, so I mix together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
The aroma of the herbs and lemon is instantly refreshing, and I could already tell this dish was going to be a hit.
After tossing the chicken and veggies in the Chicken Souvlaki marinade, I cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to let it soak up all those delicious flavors overnight.
The next night, when I’m ready to cook, I just need to heat a large skillet on medium heat to prep for dinner.
I pour all the contents of the bowl into the pan and only watch the chicken, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the juices.
In about 10 minutes, the chicken is perfectly cooked through, tender, and full of flavor.
I wrapped the savory chicken in a soft pita with some crisp lettuce and crumbled feta, and it was ready to serve.
Dinner on the table in under 20 minutes of prep, cook, and serving time? Wow, what a relief!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- 1 chopped green pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tbsp pepper
- 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients and marinate overnight.
- Pour all ingredients into a large skillet and cook on medium heat until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve in a pita or flour tortilla with lettuce and feta.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving It Up
Chicken Souvlaki is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on your mood and what you have on hand.
I love serving it in warm pita bread or flour tortillas with a bit of tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and feta for a classic wrap.
For a bigger, filling meal, serve your Chicken Souvlaki alongside creamy hummus and a variety of pickled vegetables.
For a lighter option, you can serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of roasted veggies or as Greek Chicken kabobs with vegetables.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more fun, thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers and grill them for a delicious, smoky flavor.
However you choose to serve it, this dish is guaranteed to please.
FAQs
What ingredients are used to make Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki is made with boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other seasonings.
The chicken is often cooked with vegetables like green peppers and onions.
How does Chicken Souvlaki differ from a Gyro?
While both Chicken Souvlaki and Gyros are popular Greek dishes, the main difference is in the preparation.
Souvlaki is made with marinated grilled chicken (or sometimes pork) served on skewers or in pita bread.
Gyros are made from seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin before serving in pita with various toppings.
What’s the difference between Chicken Souvlaki and Chicken Kabobs?
Chicken Souvlaki and Chicken Kabobs are similar, as both involve grilling marinated chicken.
However, Souvlaki is typically Greek and uses a specific blend of Mediterranean seasonings, while Kabobs can come from various culinary traditions and may include different marinades and vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
You can use most cuts of chicken to make Chicken Souvlaki, and chicken thighs are a good pick if you like dark meat with a bit more fat and juiciness.
Is Chicken Souvlaki a healthy option?
Yes, Chicken Souvlaki is generally considered a healthy dish. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and can be made even healthier by using lean chicken breast and pairing it with fresh vegetables or a salad.
The olive oil-based marinade also adds healthy fats to the meal.
Final Thoughts
Try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, for a fantastic dinner option when you’re looking for something quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
With just a little bit of prep work the night before, you can have a delicious meal ready in minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you need a meal on the table fast.
It requires very little effort, so you can enjoy a tasty, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
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