Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki

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  • Prep20m
  • Cook24m
Total time
44 min
Cook at
437°F
Prep
20 min
Cook
24 min

Servings

Recipe written for 4 servings

Marinade

Main

Tzatziki

Serving

Oven

Stovetop

Gas Grill

Mixing Bowl

Plastic Wrap

Paper Towel

Skewer

Kitchen Towel

Whisk

Plates

Knife

Metal or Pre-Soaked Wooden Skewers

Tongs

Cutting Board

Instant-Read Thermometer

Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)

Ziploc Bag

Meat Thermometer

Grater

Air Fryer

Fridge

4 days

Freezer

60 days

Reheat

StovetopOvenAir fryerMicrowave
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2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks

Chicken Thighs
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Step by step

Instructions

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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 large lemon, 1 tsp lemon zest, minced cloves garlic minced, dried 2 tsp dried oregano preferably Greek oregano, dried 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground, and ½ tsp sweet paprika until well combined.

Uses

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon Zest
  • Garlic
  • 120–480 min

Add the 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks chunks to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Transfer to a Ziploc bag or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Uses

  • Ziploc Bag
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Chicken Thigh

While the 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks marinates, make the tzatziki. Grate the ½ cup English cucumber grated and squeezed dry on the large holes of a grater, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.

Uses

  • Grater
  • Chicken Thigh
  • Cucumber

In a mixing bowl, stir together the 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, squeezed ½ cup English cucumber grated and squeezed dry, 4 cloves garlic minced, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 large lemon, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh fresh dill finely chopped. Season with a pinch of kosher salt, taste, and adjust as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (the flavor improves as it sits).

Uses

  • Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
  • Cucumber
  • Garlic
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon Zest
  • 30 min
  • 437°F
  • Medium-High

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 425–450°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Uses

  • Grill

Use bone-in, skin-on thighs. Pat completely dry with paper towels — this is critical for crispy skin. Coat lightly with oil, then season all sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Press seasoning to adhere evenly; keep the layer thin. Preheat air fryer to 400°F before adding chicken.

Uses

  • Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Garlic
  • 10–12 min

Place thighs skin side up in a single layer in the preheated 400°F air fryer basket — no stacking or crowding. Work in batches if needed; a standard 5-qt basket fits about four thighs. Cook at 400°F: 10 min skin side up → flip, 8 min skin side down → flip again, 2 min skin side up. Total time: 18–24 min depending on thigh size and air fryer model. Alternatively, skip the flips and cook skin side up the full 18–24 min, checking at 18 min. Done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone) reads 175°F. 165°F is the USDA minimum, but 175°F gives the best texture for thighs. Not there yet? Keep cooking in 1–2 min increments.

Uses

  • Chicken Thigh
  • 3–5 min

Transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks moist.

Uses

  • Lemon Juice
  • Chicken Thigh
  • 1–1 min

Warm the 4 pieces pita bread on the grill for about 30–60 seconds per side until soft and lightly toasted. Slide the 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks off the skewers and serve in or alongside the warm 4 pieces pita bread, topped generously with tzatziki, diced medium tomatoes diced or sliced, sliced red onion thinly sliced, and any optional garnishes like shredded 1 small head romaine lettuce shredded or fresh fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped.

Uses

  • Grill
  • Pita Bread
  • Chicken Thigh
  • Tomato
  • Red Onion
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Flat Leaf Parsley
Per serving

Nutrition facts

Estimated for one serving as written. Scale with Serving size in the sidebar for your batch.

520

Cal

22g

Fat

38g

Carbs

42g

Protein