Craving the vibrant tastes of Greece but short on time? This **Chicken Souvlaki Wrap** recipe is your answer! Incredibly simple to prepare using just a few common pantry ingredients, it requires absolutely no lengthy marinating and delivers an authentic, restaurant-quality flavor that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. If you’ve been a follower for a while, you’ll know my deep love for Greek cuisine.

My husband and I both spent our younger years working in bustling Greek restaurants, where we picked up invaluable culinary “secrets.” Now, we delight in bringing those authentic flavors into our home kitchen. His Greek Chicken Souvlaki is truly exceptional, and my absolute favorite way to savor it is tucked into a warm, soft pita wrap – just like we used to enjoy it during our restaurant days. These homemade Chicken Souvlaki Wraps are perfect for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner any night of the week.

Forget the takeout; with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a wholesome, flavorful meal that rivals your favorite Greek spot, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive into making these incredible souvlaki wraps!

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe stands out for its simplicity, using only a handful of readily available ingredients to create incredibly deep flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is key:

• Chicken breast: Opt for boneless and skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation and a lean protein source. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s fully defrosted before cutting to achieve even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture if preferred.
• Lemon juice: This is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, providing the essential tangy, bright flavor that defines souvlaki. While fresh lemon juice is always fantastic, using lemon juice from concentrate (like Realemon) is a convenient and effective alternative that still delivers that signature zest.
• White pepper: Often overlooked, white pepper offers a unique musky, sharp, and subtly spicier profile compared to black pepper. It blends seamlessly into the seasoning without leaving visible specks, making it ideal for lighter-colored meats. You can typically find white pepper in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or purchase it online. Its nuanced heat truly elevates the simple marinade.
• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is crucial not just for cooking but also for creating a rich base for the seasoning, helping to carry the flavors into the chicken and keep it moist during cooking.
• Garlic powder: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor that complements the lemon and oregano beautifully. It’s quick to incorporate and distributes evenly throughout the marinade.
• Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb! Dried oregano brings an earthy, slightly minty, and peppery flavor that is synonymous with traditional Greek dishes. Don’t skip this for an authentic taste.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.

If you’re crafting these into delicious souvlaki pita wraps, you’ll also need:

• Pita bread: The foundation of any great souvlaki wrap! While any pita bread will work, traditional Greek pita bread is softer, thicker, and often a bit chewier, making it perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. Look for it in the international foods section or fresh bakery aisle.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy, cooling Greek cucumber and yogurt sauce is the ultimate accompaniment to souvlaki. It provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. You can find pre-made tzatziki at most grocery stores, but making your own is surprisingly simple, often healthier, and allows you to control the freshness and flavor profile.
• Fresh toppings: Don’t forget vibrant additions like chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh parsley for that authentic Greek street food experience.

*A full list of ingredients and precise quantities can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.

📖 Versatile Variations & Smart Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this chicken souvlaki recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Garlic: If you prefer the potent flavor of fresh garlic, you can substitute minced garlic cloves for garlic powder. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic for every ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Lemon juice: For an even brighter, more intense citrus kick, use fresh lemon juice instead of concentrated. When substituting, you’ll typically need to double the amount of fresh juice to match the acidity and flavor intensity of concentrated lemon juice.
• Meat alternatives: While chicken breast is classic, this seasoning works wonderfully with other proteins. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, or even use beef or pork cut into cubes for skewers. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through. If you’re tracking macros or following a program like Weight Watchers, be sure to re-calculate the points or nutritional values for any meat substitutions.
• Herbs: While dried oregano is traditional, a pinch of dried thyme or marjoram can also add lovely depth to the seasoning blend.
• Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade.

🧂 The Secret to Simple Yet Flavorful Souvlaki Seasoning

The beauty of this Greek chicken souvlaki lies in its incredibly straightforward yet potent seasoning. Despite using only lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and white pepper, the result is so flavorful you’d think there were many more complex ingredients involved! This blend perfectly balances the bright acidity of lemon with the earthy notes of oregano and the subtle warmth of white pepper and garlic.

This isn’t just a simple chicken marinade; it’s one of the easiest and most impactful flavor combinations you’ll ever create. The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken slightly while imparting its signature zest, the olive oil ensures moisture and richness, and the aromatic herbs and spices provide that unmistakable Greek taste. You’ll be amazed at how such a basic mixture can transform plain chicken into something truly extraordinary.

🔪 How to Craft the Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki Wrap

Creating these delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki Wraps is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly assembled pitas:

Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips, approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Next, carefully thread these chicken pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers and plan to cook on an outdoor BBQ grill, make sure to soak them in cold water for at least 10-15 minutes beforehand. This crucial step prevents the wood from burning during grilling.

Continue adding the chicken strips to your skewers until all the meat is used. This recipe typically yields about 8 skewers, depending on the size of your chicken breasts and how tightly you pack the meat. Once skewered, arrange them neatly in a long, shallow dish, such as a 9×13 inch baking pan. Remember, you can use shorter skewers if you’re specifically making pita wraps, or longer ones if you intend to serve the souvlaki plain as a platter.

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, white pepper, and dried oregano until well combined. This simple mixture forms the flavorful marinade. Pour this seasoning generously over the prepared chicken skewers, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Gently rotate the skewers in the dish to guarantee even distribution of the marinade, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken before cooking.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan or a hot grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken souvlaki skewers, cooking as many as can comfortably fit in a single layer without overcrowding (typically about 4 skewers per standard frying pan). Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that lovely browning.

Cook the chicken skewers for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning them periodically to achieve light browning on all sides. It’s essential to cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking. Once cooked, remove from heat and prepare for assembly.

To assemble your delicious souvlaki wrap, warm your pita bread slightly (see tips below for best results). Place a cooked chicken skewer on the warm pita, then gently slide the chicken off the skewer directly into the bread. Load it with your choice of fresh fillings – my favorites include generous dollops of creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp chopped red onion, juicy diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with fresh lemon wedges or a light grating of lemon zest over the chicken. For a visual guide on how to perfectly wrap a souvlaki, watch this handy video: How to wrap a souvlaki. (Note: I typically use parchment paper for wrapping, as opposed to the wax paper shown in the video, for better flexibility and hold).

✅ Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Souvlaki

Achieve souvlaki perfection with these tried-and-true tips:

• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out very quickly, becoming tough and less enjoyable. To ensure your souvlaki remains juicy and tender, use an instant-read thermometer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F (74°C), and remove it from the heat immediately.
• Cut Chicken Evenly for Uniform Cooking: Consistency is key! Ensure all your chicken pieces are cut to a similar size. This allows them to cook evenly, preventing smaller pieces from drying out while larger ones are still cooking. Aim for pieces that are roughly ½ to ¾ inch thick.
• Soak Wooden Skewers Before Grilling: If you’re using wooden skewers for grilling, always soak them in water for at least 10 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This simple step prevents the skewers from charring or catching fire on the hot grill, ensuring your food cooks, not your tools.
• No Need for Extensive Marination: Unlike many grilled meat recipes that demand hours of marinating, this souvlaki recipe is designed for speed. The robust flavors permeate the chicken quickly. While not necessary, if you desire a slightly deeper flavor and have the time, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm the Pita Before Wrapping: A warm pita is a pliable pita! Lightly toast or heat your pita bread on a dry pan for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds. This makes the pita soft and flexible, preventing it from tearing when you fill and wrap it. It also enhances the flavor and texture of the bread.

💡 Our Top Tip: The No-Marinating Secret!

Here’s the absolute best part about this recipe and a game-changer for busy cooks: **YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MARINATE THE CHICKEN FOR HOURS!** I’ve experimented with marinating it for several hours, and honestly, the difference in flavor wasn’t significant enough to warrant the extra time.

I always assumed that Greek restaurants meticulously marinated their chicken souvlaki for extended periods. However, my husband, who worked as a cook in multiple Greek establishments, revealed this isn’t necessarily the case. The marinating time often depended on when an order came in and how much chicken was already prepped. If they had a fresh batch that hadn’t been marinating overnight, they would simply add a generous squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice right before serving to boost the flavor.

So, take a cue from the pros! If you love an extra lemony kick, just squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over your cooked souvlaki right before you serve it. This quick trick delivers a burst of bright flavor instantly, proving that authentic taste doesn’t always require hours of waiting.

🥗 What to Serve with Your Chicken Souvlaki Wrap

Another fantastic aspect of this chicken souvlaki recipe is its incredible versatility! While wrapping it in a pita is my absolute favorite way to enjoy it, there are numerous other delicious serving options:

• On a bed of fresh vegetables: For a lighter, low-carb meal, serve the souvlaki chicken over a crisp bed of mixed greens, chopped cucumbers, and tomatoes. You can even add a sprinkle of light feta cheese for extra Greek authenticity.
• With Greek rice or cauliflower rice: The flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy lemon-infused Greek rice or, for a lower-carb alternative, with seasoned cauliflower rice.
• Alongside Greek Style Potatoes: These roasted lemon-herb potatoes are a classic pairing and truly complete the Greek meal experience.
• On its own with Tzatziki: Sometimes, simplicity is best. Enjoy the tender chicken skewers dipped directly into a bowl of WW friendly Tzatziki Sauce (especially delicious when made with non-fat Greek yogurt). You can also serve warm, fluffy pita bread alongside for dipping in the tzatziki as a separate side dish.

Beyond traditional Greek sides, souvlaki wraps are incredibly adaptable and complement a variety of other dishes:

• Fries: Classic French fries, Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Parsnip Fries, or Air Fryer Carrot Fries make for a satisfying, comforting side.
• Salads: A simple side salad or a vibrant Greek salad with olives, feta, and a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Easy Greek Pasta Salad: A refreshing and hearty pasta salad with Mediterranean ingredients is a fantastic addition to any souvlaki meal.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly & Healthy Choice

For those mindful of their dietary intake, this Chicken Souvlaki Wrap is not only a healthy and delicious meal but also **Weight Watchers friendly!** When prepared as a wrap using my WW friendly Tzatziki Sauce, it comes in at just 8 WW points, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and light meal.

You can further reduce the points by opting for lighter, Weight Watchers friendly, and lower-carb pita bread options, such as Joseph’s pitas. Keep in mind that substituting chicken breast with pork or beef will likely increase the WW points, so adjust accordingly if you are closely tracking.

*NOTE: When calculating the Weight Watchers points for this recipe, I’ve factored in only half of the olive oil quantity specified in the ingredients list. This accounts for the amount of oil that typically gets absorbed by the chicken during the cooking process, providing a more accurate point value.

👪 Convenient Serving Size Adjustment

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is designed to yield 8 delicious servings, making it perfect for family meals or entertaining. However, you have complete flexibility to adjust the recipe to suit your needs! You can easily half, double, or even triple the batch. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired yield. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, taking the guesswork out of scaling the recipe.

🌡️ Smart Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Planning ahead or managing leftovers is easy with this versatile chicken souvlaki. Here are our top tips for storage and meal prep:

• Meal Prep-Friendly: To make weeknight dinners a breeze, cook the chicken souvlaki ahead of time. Once cooked and cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and assemble fresh wraps for the best texture and flavor.
• Store Leftovers in the Fridge: Any leftover cooked chicken souvlaki should be stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
• Store Toppings Separately: To maintain optimal freshness and prevent sogginess, always keep your tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables (like tomatoes and onions), and pita bread stored separately. Tzatziki should be refrigerated, while pita bread can be kept at room temperature or lightly warmed just before serving.
• Freeze for Later: Cooked chicken souvlaki skewers freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place the skewers in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply transfer them directly from the freezer to an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. This makes for a convenient grab-and-go meal option!

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Souvlaki Wraps

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