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, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, barbecue parties, or even a casual gathering with friends, chicken souvlaki stands out for its rich flavor and versatility. Each bite offers a burst of Mediterranean goodness, making it a must-try for anyone who loves authentic cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish without hassle.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that enhances the chicken.
• Grilled to Perfection: Cooking on skewers gives the chicken a lovely char while keeping it juicy and tender.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or your favorite dips for endless meal possibilities.
• Healthy Meal Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results for your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the marinated chicken together while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides a high heat source that allows for perfect charring and flavor development.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the marinade with the chicken evenly.
• Basting brush: Helps in applying additional marinade or oil during grilling for extra moistness.

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

For Skewering

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

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

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if needed.

Step 6: Grill the Souvlaki

Place skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from grill and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Enjoy your homemade Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is an enjoyable experience that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Classic Wrap

• Use warm pita bread to wrap the grilled chicken, veggies, and tzatziki for a traditional Greek experience.

Salad Bowl

• Create a fresh salad bowl by placing the souvlaki on a bed of mixed greens, adding feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Skewers Appetizer

• Serve the skewers as an appetizer at parties. Pair them with small cups of tzatziki for dipping.

Mediterranean Platter

• Arrange the chicken souvlaki on a platter with hummus, olives, and stuffed grape leaves for a delightful Mediterranean feast.

Family Style

• Present the souvlaki on a large serving platter and let everyone build their own wraps with toppings of their choice.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

To achieve the best results with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate Overnight: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavor absorption and juiciness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the taste significantly compared to dried ones.
• Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking and those beautiful char marks.
• Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning during cooking.
• Cut Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into even chunks to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic that adds coolness to the savory chicken.
3. Hummus: A smooth chickpea dip that pairs well with pita bread or vegetables as a side snack.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and eggplant roasted with olive oil make a healthy side.
5. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around the souvlaki or enjoying with dips.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs complements the grilled flavors beautifully. Consider adding lemon zest for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the marinade time: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper taste.
• Using dry wooden skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Overcrowding the skewers: When assembling your souvlaki, leave space between each piece of chicken and vegetables. This ensures even cooking on the grill.
• Not preheating the grill: A hot grill is crucial for a nice char. Preheat it for at least 10 minutes before adding your skewers.
• Ignoring cooking times: Chicken should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Neglecting side dishes: Pair your souvlaki with fresh sides like tzatziki and pita. These complement the flavors and enhance your meal.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals of 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and sauté until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a traditional dish made with marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers. It’s often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken for this recipe?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marination is ideal if you have the time.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can also use pork or lamb for delicious variations of authentic Greek souvlaki.

What sides pair well with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Great sides include warm pita bread, fresh salads, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. Tzatziki sauce is a must-have dip!

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe brings vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. You can customize it with different veggies or marinades according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this versatile dish!

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Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features succulent chicken marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs, then grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings with friends. Each bite offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki for a true Greek experience.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Assorted vegetables (red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken chunks to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers alternately with vegetable chunks.
5. Preheat grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and charred.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving with pita bread and tzatziki.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers (200g)
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight if possible. Fresh herbs enhance taste significantly compared to dried ones. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.