Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features tender chicken marinated in a fragrant mix of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with warm pita bread and a side of creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can quickly marinate your chicken and have it ready for grilling.
• Flavorful: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano creates a deliciously aromatic dish that brings the taste of Greece to your kitchen.
• Versatile Meal: Serve the souvlaki on skewers or in pita wraps, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: These are crucial for holding your marinated chicken and vegetables together for grilling.
• Grill or grill pan: A good quality grill ensures even cooking and adds that perfect charred flavor to the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is important for mixing the marinade thoroughly with the chicken chunks.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

For this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

Other Essentials

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

After marinating, thread the marinated chicken onto wooden skewers alternately with red onion and bell pepper chunks.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and has nice grill marks.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Serve the chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread for a classic Greek street food experience.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• A side of creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch. Use it for dipping or drizzling over the chicken.

Paired with Fresh Salad

• A Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives complements the flavors of the souvlaki perfectly.

As a Rice Bowl

• Serve the grilled chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, topped with vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

To achieve the best results with your chicken souvlaki, consider these helpful tips:

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the taste significantly compared to dried ones.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before cooking. This helps achieve a nice char on the chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding Skewers: Leave space between chunks of chicken on skewers, allowing even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add a colorful and healthy touch.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with herbs provides a flavorful base for your souvlaki.
4. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made from chickpeas, parsley, and lemon juice adds protein and fiber.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until golden offer a delicious complement to the dish.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, and basil is an easy side that balances flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating the chicken correctly is key to achieving a flavorful souvlaki. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the marinade time: Not allowing enough time for marination will lead to less flavorful chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results.

• Using dry chicken: Overcooking the chicken can result in dryness. Use a meat thermometer and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

• Neglecting soaking skewers: Using dry wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using.

• Not balancing flavors: Forgetting to season your vegetables can lead to bland bites. Toss your onion and peppers with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.

• Inconsistent chunk sizes: Cutting the chicken and vegetables into uneven sizes makes cooking uneven as well. Cut everything into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Place cooked souvlaki in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place souvlaki on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the souvlaki for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this recipe:

What is an Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

An Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe involves marinating chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling it to perfection on skewers.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb if preferred.

How do I make the tzatziki sauce?

To make tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and fresh dill.

Can I customize my skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy such as zucchini or mushrooms alongside your chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or serve it with various sauces. Give it a try and bring a taste of Greece into your home!