I’ll never forget the first time I tried chicken souvlaki. I was traveling in Greece and had just finished hiking around the ruins of Ancient Olympia. After hours of walking under the hot sun, my stomach growled louder than a thunderstorm. We stopped at a small café, and the aroma of grilled meat filled the air. When I finally took my first bite of chicken souvlaki, it was a revelation-juicy, tender chicken with a tangy yogurt marinade, wrapped in soft pita with fresh veggies. That experience stuck with me, and now I make it often, especially Jamie Oliver’s version, which has a simple, but satisfying approach to this classic dish.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s take on chicken souvlaki is all about keeping things fresh, flavorful, and easy. He doesn’t overcomplicate things with too many spices or ingredients. Instead, it’s all about highlighting the natural flavors of the chicken with a zingy marinade, fresh veggies, and warm, soft pita.
In his recipe, Jamie combines tender chicken thighs with a marinade of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs. The marinade imparts flavor while tenderizing the chicken, making each bite juicy and full of taste. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or cooking on the stovetop, this recipe guarantees a meal that feels like an instant vacation to Greece.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into cooking, let’s go over what you need to make Jamie’s chicken souvlaki. Don’t worry, the list isn’t long, and most of these ingredients are staples in any kitchen.
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Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
Jamie recommends thighs over breasts because they’re juicier and more flavorful. Plus, they hold up better when grilled.
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Greek Yogurt
This adds creaminess to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
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Lemon
Fresh lemon juice gives the marinade a bright, zesty punch.
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Garlic
Minced garlic brings the savory element to the marinade and boosts flavor.
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Dried Oregano
The earthy taste of oregano is essential in Greek cooking and provides that signature Mediterranean flavor.
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Olive Oil
A drizzle of good-quality olive oil makes the marinade smooth and helps the chicken stay moist.
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Salt & Pepper
These are basics, but they elevate the entire dish.
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Pita Bread
You’ll need this to wrap everything together, so pick up some soft, warm pita.
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Toppings (optional)
Sliced red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese are all great additions.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki
Here’s where the magic happens. This recipe is quick, so don’t blink, or you might miss something!
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Prepare The Marinade
Start by mixing Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth.
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Marinate The Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got time, go for a couple of hours or even overnight. The longer the chicken sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
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Cook The Chicken
Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You want them nice and charred on the outside, but juicy on the inside.
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Assemble The Souvlaki
Warm the pita bread and pile on the grilled chicken. Add your choice of toppings like fresh cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta. Wrap it up tightly like a burrito.
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Serve And Enjoy
Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh. You could also pair it with a side of tzatziki for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down the science behind why certain ingredients make this recipe work so well.
- Greek yogurt: The lactic acid in yogurt helps break down proteins in the chicken, making it tender. This is why it’s often used in marinades. It also adds creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
- Lemon: The acid from the lemon juice does the same job as yogurt in terms of tenderizing the chicken. But it also adds a bright note that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is loaded with healthy fats, which help keep the chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out during cooking. The fat also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Oregano: The essential oils in oregano give this herb its strong, earthy flavor. Oregano is also high in antioxidants, which is why it’s used so frequently in Mediterranean cooking.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip marinating: Even if you’re in a rush, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. Aim for a few hours if possible.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken can dry out quickly, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- Char the chicken: The key to crispy, flavorful chicken is getting a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is already a winner, there are ways to tweak the recipe based on your tastes:
- Swap the chicken: For a twist, try using lamb or pork instead of chicken. Both meats work beautifully with the marinade.
- Add different veggies: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or even grilled zucchini for an added burst of flavor and texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version of souvlaki.
- Tzatziki: If you’re craving more of that cool, creamy sauce, whip up some tzatziki with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to drizzle over the top.
Final Words
This chicken souvlaki recipe is proof that simple ingredients and flavors can come together to create something unforgettable. The key is in the marinade-don’t rush it. Let the chicken soak in those flavors, and when you grill it, you’ll get that perfect balance of juicy and crispy. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a barbecue, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki?
You’ll need chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, and some pita bread. A few fresh veggies for serving, like cucumber, tomato, and red onion, are also key.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cook it when you’re ready.
What’s The Best Way To Serve Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki?
It’s great with warm pita, a fresh salad, and some homemade tzatziki sauce. You could also add some grilled veggies for extra flavor.