Greek Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

$To make Greek chicken souvlaki, you need key ingredients that bring flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a tasty marinade that helps the chicken soak up all the great flavors. For a fresh and bright bite, include these ingredients: - 4 pita breads - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup Greek yogurt These fresh items add crunch and creaminess to your pita. They balance the grilled chicken perfectly. While the basic souvlaki is delicious, you can elevate it with these optional toppings: - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Feta cheese, crumbled for topping These extras add color and flavor to your dish. You can mix and match based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything until well combined. This marinade brings out the best in the chicken. Take 1 pound of chicken breast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours gives even more flavor. This step is key for juicy, tasty chicken. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have nice char marks. While the chicken cooks, warm 4 pita breads on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side. They should be slightly toasted and warm. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skewers and place it inside each warm pita. To make the best grilled chicken, choose fresh chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it juicy. Use a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. The oil helps to prevent sticking on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice char on the outside. Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This means it is safe to eat. If you have leftovers, store them right away. Place the chicken and pitas in separate airtight containers. This keeps them fresh longer. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For a great serving experience, warm your pita breads first. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Use fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Finish with crumbled feta for a salty kick. You can also add fresh parsley on top for color. Serve with a side of tzatziki for extra flavor. For a fun twist, try adding pickled vegetables or olives. Enjoy your meal with friends or family for a true feast! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours if time allows. This allows the spices and lemon to deeply penetrate the meat. Use Skewers Soak: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures juicy, tender chicken and food safety. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Consider adding olives, bell peppers, or even a spicy sauce for an extra flavor kick. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free option, try using firm tofu or seitan. Cut them into 1-inch cubes just like the chicken. Marinate the tofu or seitan with the same olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Grill them just like you would the chicken. Both options soak up flavors well and add great texture to your meal. You can mix up the marinade for a new taste. Try adding yogurt for a creamy twist. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a sweet note. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Each change brings a new flavor to your souvlaki, making it fun to explore. Pita is great, but you can serve your souvlaki in many ways. Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Try a fresh salad base to make it lighter. Each option gives a new take on this classic dish. To keep your leftover souvlaki fresh, first let it cool down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it safe to eat later. If you have leftover veggies, store them in a separate container. They stay crisp and fresh this way. You can freeze the chicken souvlaki for later use. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can also freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before grilling. When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken souvlaki for the best taste. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it. Just heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious meal again! The best way to marinate chicken for souvlaki is simple. Use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Mix these in a bowl. Add salt and pepper for taste. Place your chicken cubes in the marinade. Stir well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all the flavors. For even better taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. Yes, you can make Greek chicken souvlaki in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can turn the skewers halfway through for even cooking. This method gives you juicy chicken with less mess. Many sides pair well with souvlaki pitas. Here are some great options: - Greek salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. - Roasted vegetables: Zucchini and bell peppers work well. - Tzatziki sauce: A cool yogurt dip made with cucumber and garlic. - Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs and lemon. - Hummus: A creamy chickpea dip that adds flavor. These sides complement the flavors of the souvlaki and make your meal more enjoyable. Greek chicken souvlaki is a fun and tasty dish. We covered the main ingredients and their freshness. You learned how to prepare the marinade and grill the chicken perfectly. Tips for storing leftovers and serving options help to keep it simple. You now know variations, like vegetarian options and flavor twists. Finally, I shared storage and reheating methods to enjoy it longer. With these steps, you can make delicious souvlaki at home, bringing a taste of Greece to your table. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

Delicious grilled chicken skewers served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and yogurt.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper
4 pieces pita breads
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 piece cucumber, diced
0.5 piece red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Greek yogurt
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for topping feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk to create a marinade.
Add the chicken cubes into the marinade and stir well to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving some space between pieces.
Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and charred in spots (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until slightly toasted.
To assemble, carefully remove the chicken from skewers and place it inside each warm pita.
Top the chicken with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with feta cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for more flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, Mediterranean, pita, souvlaki