Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Roasted Sweet Potato & Pita
Description:
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a traditional street food featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers, served here with roasted sweet potatoes and warm pita. This nutritious meal combines zesty Mediterranean flavors with the natural sweetness of roasted root vegetables — balanced, delicious, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
⏱️ Time Breakdown:
Task Duration
Prep Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes – 2 hours (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time 25 minutes
Total Time ~1 hour 15 minutes (with marination), or 45 minutes (without)
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
600g (1.3 lbs) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cbed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper
To Serve:
4 whole wheat or regular pita breads, warmed
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade – see below)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges, chopped parsley
Homemade Tzatziki (Optional):
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped dill or mint
Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients and chill until ready to serve. Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken cubes and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and tender.
3. Cook the Chicken:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Warm pita breads in a pan or oven.
Spread tzatziki on each pita, add roasted sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Top with crumbled feta and herbs if desired.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Estimated values with chicken breast, sweet potatoes, pita, and 2 tbsp tzatziki
Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 7g
Fiber: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 550m
Vitamin A: 140% DV (from sweet potatoes)
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 20% DV
Note: Adjust values based on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully in souvlaki. Just trim excess fat and follow the same method.
Q: Is marinating necessary?
A: Marination enhances flavor and tenderness but can be skipped in a time crunch. Even 15–30 minutes makes a difference.
Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
A: Yes. Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, or use the broiler for a charred finish.
Q: How do I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute chicken with halloumi cheese, tofu, or marinated mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A: Yes, store-bought is convenient and tasty. But homemade is fresher and easy to make in under 5 minutes.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Definitely! Store each component separately. Reheat chicken and sweet potatoes; assemble when ready to eat. Storage Tips:
Cooked chicken: Refrigerate up to 3–4 ays.
Roasted sweet potatoes: Up to 5 days in fridge.
Tzatziki: 3–4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Pta: Keep
in a ziplock or freeze for longer storage