Why You’ll Love Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Packed with bright Mediterranean flavors from lemon, garlic, and dill.
- Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Versatile cooking methods, including stovetop and air fryer options.
- Perfect for family meals, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
- Combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and tangy feta in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
- Ready with minimal hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 500 g chicken thigh fillets, chopped into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried dill or 1/2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 large cucumber, chopped into small chunks
- 100 g Cos or Romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped into small chunks
- 1/4 red onion, peeled and sliced
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
- 4 Greek-style flatbreads
- Tzatziki, homemade or store-bought
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and dill. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to marinate.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the salad. Combine the cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
- For stovetop cooking, heat a griddle pan or frying pan over high heat until very hot.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange it in a single layer in the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on one side.
- Turn the chicken pieces with tongs and continue cooking until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.
- For air fryer cooking, lightly grease the basket with oil. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer and lightly spray or brush with additional oil.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking if desired.
- To serve, place a flatbread on each plate and divide the chicken evenly among them.
- Top with salad, a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Roll the flatbreads into wraps and serve immediately with any remaining salad and tzatziki on the side.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Add sliced olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Include roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky touch.
- Use whole wheat flatbreads for added fiber.
- Make it low-carb by serving the chicken and toppings over a salad instead of in flatbread.
- Add a pinch of paprika or oregano to the marinade for extra depth.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken, salad, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The chicken can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Avoid reheating the salad, tzatziki, or feta. Assemble fresh wraps just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
You can also enjoy the leftover chicken cold in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
FAQs
What is chicken souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish made with marinated chicken that is grilled or cooked until tender and served in flatbread or alongside salads and sauces.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than chicken thighs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 1 to 2 hours. You can also marinate it overnight for even deeper flavor.
Can I cook the chicken on a barbecue?
Yes, the chicken is excellent when grilled on skewers over a barbecue, giving it an authentic smoky flavor.
What can I serve with chicken souvlaki?
It pairs well with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, rice, pita bread, or extra tzatziki.
Is homemade tzatziki necessary?
No, store-bought tzatziki works perfectly if you’re short on time, though homemade often provides a fresher flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the salad ingredients in advance for quicker assembly later.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, the marinated or cooked chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be hot throughout and no longer pink in the center. An internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) is recommended.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flatbreads or serve the chicken and toppings over a salad instead of using wraps.
Conclusion
This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe brings together all the flavors of a classic Greek meal in a simple and approachable way. Tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and tangy feta create a delicious combination that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Whether cooked in a pan, air fryer, or on the grill, this recipe delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Juicy lemon and dill marinated chicken wrapped in warm flatbreads with crisp salad, creamy tzatziki, and crumbled feta. A fresh and flavorful Greek-inspired meal perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddle, Pan Fry, Air Fry
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thigh fillets, chopped into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 large cucumber, chopped into small chunks
- 100 g Cos or Romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped into small chunks
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
- 4 Greek-style flatbreads
- Tzatziki, for serving
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and dill. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and optional lemon juice.
- For griddle or frying pan cooking: Heat a griddle pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place in a single layer on the hot pan.
- Cook for a few minutes until browned, then turn and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Squeeze over extra lemon juice if desired.
- For air fryer cooking: Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Add the chicken and lightly brush or spray with oil.
- Air fry at 200C/400F for 15 to 18 minutes, tossing halfway through, until fully cooked.
- Squeeze over extra lemon juice if desired.
- To serve, place a flatbread on each plate and divide the chicken among them.
- Top with salad, tzatziki, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Roll up the wraps and serve with the remaining salad and tzatziki.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for the full 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken breast can be substituted for chicken thighs if preferred.
- Warm the flatbreads briefly before serving for the best texture.
- Store leftover chicken and salad separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
