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 delightful mix of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in, this souvlaki is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful: The marinade infuses the chicken with delicious herbs and garlic, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a filling for wraps and salads.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is a great choice for those looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for barbecues or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These are crucial for holding the chicken and vegetables together while grilling. They help create that signature souvlaki shape.
• Grill or grill pan: A good grill allows for proper charring of the chicken, enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need this to combine your marinade ingredients effectively before adding the chicken.

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 Veggies

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

Miscellaneous

• 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, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water if you haven’t done so already. This prevents them from burning during grilling.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers alternately with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill

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

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Place assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Step 7: Serve

Remove skewers from grill. Serve warm with pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is a delightful experience that can be customized in many ways. Whether you opt for a traditional approach or put a modern twist on it, these serving suggestions will enhance the dish’s flavors and presentation.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Enjoy the chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread for a classic Greek experience. Add some fresh veggies for crunch.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Serve with creamy tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. This cool dip perfectly complements the grilled chicken.

On a Bed of Rice

• Place the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the juices to soak in. This adds a hearty base to your meal.

As Part of a Salad

• Create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Top it off with souvlaki pieces for added protein.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

To achieve the best results with your chicken souvlaki, consider these helpful tips that ensure flavor and tenderness.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic whenever possible.
• Marinate for Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with herbs.
• Pre-soak Skewers: Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Grill Over Medium Heat: Cook your skewers over medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the outside. This allows the chicken to stay juicy inside.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pair your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki with these tasty side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Greek Salad: A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano offers freshness alongside your meal.
2. Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with lemon zest enhances each bite of chicken souvlaki beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
4. Hummus: Creamy hummus made from blended chickpeas pairs well as a spread or dip alongside your skewers.
5. Tabbouleh: This refreshing parsley salad with bulgur wheat provides a zingy contrast to the grilled flavors of souvlaki.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until charred makes for an excellent summer side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for the best taste.
• Using dry skewers: Placing uncooked skewers directly on the grill without soaking can cause them to burn. Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too many pieces of chicken and vegetables on a skewer can result in uneven cooking. Leave some space between each piece for even heat distribution.
• Neglecting to preheat the grill: Starting with a cold grill can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the skewers.
• Forgetting about resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can release all the juices. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Place cooled chicken souvlaki into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe:

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes! You can substitute beef, lamb, or turkey using the same marinade and cooking method.

What should I serve with my Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings vibrant flavors straight from Greece to your kitchen. It’s versatile and allows customization with various vegetables or sides. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this easy and authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs before being grilled to perfection. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or filling for wraps, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Pair it with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable Mediterranean feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 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
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken chunks to the marinade; coat well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
4. Thread marinated chicken and vegetable chunks onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill skewers for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Serve warm with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 150g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg