Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki is his twist on the classic Greek street food. Souvlaki is usually made with lamb or pork but Jamie goes for tender chicken, marinated in a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, lemon, oregano and a touch of olive oil, then grilled to perfection. This dish is all about simplicity, fresh ingredients and big, vibrant flavors. It’s served typically in pita bread with a variety of toppings like salad, tzatziki or even a sprinkle of feta. The beauty of Jamie’s version is its ability to bring a little taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back summer barbecue.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients are straightforward but they come together to create something incredibly flavorful.
- Chicken Thighs: You’ll want bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier than breasts and take on the marinade really well.
- Olive Oil: Essential for the marinade and for grilling. It gives that rich, Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced. Garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a zingy brightness to the dish.
- Oregano: A Mediterranean classic. Dried oregano works perfectly here.
- Paprika: For that smoky undertone that makes grilled meats irresistible.
- Cucumber: For a fresh and crunchy element if you’re serving it with a salad.
- Greek Yogurt: The base for the creamy tzatziki that’ll cool off the grill’s heat.
- Fresh Dill: To flavor your tzatziki sauce. Dill is a key herb in Greek cooking.
- Pita or Flatbread: For wrapping up all that goodness.
You can also add some fresh veggies (like onions or tomatoes) for toppings or a nice side salad for a complete meal.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything too fancy, just a few kitchen staples and a grill (or grill pan).
- Grill (or grill pan): The best way to get that charred, smoky flavor. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works fine.
- Mixing Bowls: To toss the chicken in the marinade.
- Skewers: If you want to go all traditional, use skewers to thread the chicken. Wooden ones are fine, just remember to soak them in water for a bit.
- Knife & Chopping Board: For prepping the chicken, veggies and herbs.
- Grater or Microplane: If you’re zesting the lemon or grating garlic for a finer texture.
- Tongs: To turn the chicken on the grill without piercing it and losing all the juices.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Marinate The Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks or strips. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. The longer you marinate, the better it’ll taste. aim for at least 30 minutes but an hour or even overnight in the fridge would be amazing.
Step 2: Prep The Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, make your tzatziki sauce. Grate a cucumber (you can remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce) and squeeze out the excess moisture. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Keep this in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Grill The Chicken
Once the chicken’s ready, heat up your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. If you’re using skewers, thread the chicken onto them or you can just toss the pieces directly onto the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. You want a nice char but don’t overdo it. dry chicken isn’t the goal here.
Step 4: Assemble The Souvlaki
Warm your pita or flatbread for a minute on the grill. Place the grilled chicken on top and add a generous scoop of tzatziki. You can also add fresh veggies like cucumber, onion or tomato. Wrap it all up and dig in!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki was an eye-opener on how simple ingredients can create such a powerful, delicious meal. The key takeaway? Marinating the chicken is a game-changer. You can taste how the flavors really seep in and it makes the chicken so juicy. I also learned that tzatziki isn’t just a side sauce. it’s an essential part of the dish. The creamy, tangy texture balances the grilled chicken perfectly. Lastly, grilling chicken thighs gives it that unbeatable charred flavor but they also stay moist compared to chicken breasts which can dry out.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki is already bursting with flavor but there are always ways to add your personal twist. Here are some tweaks that can take it to another level:
- Marinade Twist: The marinade is key to the flavor but you can add your own flair. For extra depth, consider tossing in some smoked paprika or adding a pinch of ground cumin. These spices give a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with the tang of lemon and the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Herb Variations: While Jamie uses parsley and oregano, you could throw in some fresh mint or even dill. Mint gives a refreshing note that balances the grilled char of the chicken. Dill adds an herby sharpness that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
- Heat It Up: If you’re into heat, a finely chopped fresh chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes can really give the souvlaki a kick. You could even opt for a bit of harissa paste in the marinade for a more North African twist.
- Grill Marks: For those beautiful, crispy and flavorful grill marks, make sure your grill is super hot. You want to sear the chicken quickly to lock in the juiciness, so don’t overcrowd the grill. let each piece have its moment.
- Alternative Proteins: Chicken isn’t the only option. Try using lamb, beef or even halloumi for a vegetarian version. If you’re using lamb or beef, a longer marination time would work wonders.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Chicken Souvlaki is a great dish to make in advance or save for later. Here’s how to store it properly to keep those flavors fresh:
- Cool It Down: Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation and keeps the meat from becoming soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Store the leftover souvlaki in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken after it has cooled. Wrap each piece individually in foil or plastic wrap, then pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheat on a low heat on the grill or in the oven to avoid drying it out.
- Keep Sauces Separate: If you have leftover tzatziki or any other sauces, store them separately from the chicken to prevent them from getting watery. Sauces like tzatziki will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a fun dish to pair with different sides. Here are a few options that’ll round out the meal:
- Pita Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, soft pita bread. It’s perfect for wrapping up the juicy souvlaki and mopping up any tzatziki sauce. You could also try a fluffy flatbread for something a little different.
- Greek Salad: A classic. Crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, olives and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s refreshing and cuts through the richness of the chicken. Add some red onion and a sprinkle of oregano for extra authenticity.
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers or even a mix of aubergines would complement the chicken nicely. The smokiness from the grill will pair with the spices in the souvlaki and make for a more balanced meal.
- Hummus: If you want to get a little more indulgent, serve your souvlaki with creamy hummus. A dollop of hummus on the side would be a delicious contrast to the tangy tzatziki.
- Crispy Fries: If you’re in the mood for something hearty, crispy fries are always a hit with souvlaki. Go for thick-cut or even homemade wedges for a more rustic feel.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki?
You’ll need chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon, garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and pita bread for serving.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki In Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even overnight for more flavor.
What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Souvlaki?
It pairs well with a fresh Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and some extra lemon wedges.
