Chicken souvlaki is probably one of the most well-known Greek sandwiches in America. We served it at our Greek restaurant and I still make it at home today for our family. In Greek it’s more commonly made with pork, but I know that it’s more popular with chicken in this country. I’m excited to show you how easy it is to make homemade chicken souvlaki today, because I know you’re all going to love it!
First, a note on pita bread. The pita bread I use does not have a pocket. The texture is a little crumbly and dry when it’s at room temperature, but gets more soft and pliable when it is heated up. This is why grilling the bread is a critical step. If you wrap cool, dry bread around the meat the bread will crumble and the sandwich will fall apart! I recommend Kontos brand pita, but you can find a lots of good fluffy pita bread at your local Greek store or grocery store.
Preparing the chicken for this sandwich is very easy. I put it on a skewer to grill because it is much easier to handle that way. It is marinated in our favorite Greek marinade (of course!) and it doesn’t take long to cook. After it’s done grilling I place all the prepared ingredients, plus the meat, into the center of the pita and fold the sandwich together. I often wrap it with parchment paper or special sandwich wrap to make it easier to eat. But at home you can use a paper towel if that’s easier!
For the spread in this sandwich it’s traditional to use tzatziki, but homemade hummus will taste excellent too. And, if you want to use pork or lamb you can swap out the chicken. No matter what you’ll end up with a delicious souvlaki sandwich that the whole family will love.
CHICKEN SOUVLAKI SANDWICH
This classic Greek sandwich is popular the world over. This recipe uses it chicken because it’s the most popular way it is served in America. In Greece is more commonly made with pork. Either works well with this recipe, simply swap out the chicken for boneless pork of an equal amount.
SERVES 4-6
Timing: 20 minutes prep, 1 hour marinating, 12-18 minutes cook time
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2lbs chicken breast (roughly 4 large breasts), cut into 1” pieces
6 metal skewers
Tzatziki Sauce, for serving (LINK)
6 grilled pita, for serving
Tomato, as garnish
Sliced Red onion, as garnish
Thinly sliced lettuce, as garnish
In a large bowl whisk olive oil, juice from two lemons, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt and pepper until combined. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
After refrigeration, thread chicken onto skewers, about 6 pieces per skewer.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Place the skewers on the grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12-18 minutes (depending on type of grill, gas will be quicker). The chicken should have a nice char.
Take one grilled pita, spread a nice serving of tzatziki on it and top with lettuce, tomato and onion.
Wrap in foil to serve and enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.
Comentarios