Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features tender chicken marinated in a delightful blend of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or summer barbecues, this recipe stands out for its rich flavor profile and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to create a mouthwatering taste that will impress everyone.
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve the skewers in pita sandwiches or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Grill-Friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling, this recipe brings the flavors of Greece right to your backyard.
Tools and Preparation
To make the most of your cooking experience, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These help hold the marinated chicken and veggies together while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
- Grill or grill pan: A great tool for achieving that smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken and mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
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
Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Toss well to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
After marinating, thread pieces of chicken onto each skewer alternately with chunks of red onion and bell peppers. Aim for about 3–4 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Step 6: Serve with Tzatziki Sauce
Once cooked, remove from heat and let them rest briefly. Serve your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for casual meals or special occasions.
With Warm Pita Bread
- Warm pita bread pairs perfectly with chicken souvlaki. You can use it to wrap the grilled chicken, creating a delicious handheld meal.
Topped with Fresh Vegetables
- Adding fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers enhances the dish. They provide crunch and freshness that balance the savory chicken.
Accompanied by Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
- Tzatziki sauce is a must-have! Its cool and creamy texture complements the spices of the chicken, making each bite more enjoyable.
Served Over Rice or Quinoa
- For a heartier option, serve the souvlaki over rice or quinoa. This adds a filling element while soaking up the flavors from the chicken and sauces.
As Part of a Greek Salad
- Incorporating souvlaki into a Greek salad creates a colorful platter. Toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta for a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
To achieve an authentic taste in your Greek chicken souvlaki, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the flavors and ensures tenderness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables whenever possible to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures that your chicken gets those perfect grill marks and retains its juiciness.
- Soak Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill, allowing for safe cooking.
- Cut Even Pieces: Make sure all chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking throughout.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the souvlaki rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki enhances your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Greek Salad: A classic mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and oregano.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and eggplant grilled until tender bring added flavor to your plate.
- Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon juice and herbs adds a zesty touch that complements the souvlaki.
- Olive Oil Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes roasted in olive oil provide a comforting side that everyone loves.
- Hummus and Veggies: A healthy snack option; serve hummus with carrot sticks and cucumber slices for dipping.
- Spanakopita: These spinach-filled pastries offer flaky goodness alongside your grilled chicken for added indulgence.
- Feta Cheese Dip: Creamy feta mixed with herbs makes for an excellent spread on pita or as a dip alongside your meal.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring chickpeas, red onion, parsley, and lemon dressing adds nutrition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
Using dry chicken: Marinating the chicken is essential for tenderness and flavor. Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours, to achieve the best results.
Skipping the soaking of skewers: Wooden skewers can burn on the grill if not soaked beforehand. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent this.
Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too much chicken and veggies on each skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Be sure to leave some space between each piece to allow heat circulation.
Ignoring seasoning: Simply adding salt and pepper isn’t enough. Use the recommended herbs like oregano and thyme in your marinade for an authentic taste.
Not preheating the grill: A hot grill is key for nice char marks and cooking the chicken quickly. Always preheat your grill before placing the skewers on it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Place cooled souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat skewers for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat pieces on a microwave-safe plate in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place skewers in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the marinade for an extra kick. Adjust based on your heat preference!
What can I serve with my Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or roasted vegetables. Tzatziki sauce is a must-have side!
Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with pork or beef as alternatives. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that transport you straight to Greece. It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences!
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or summer barbecues. With quick preparation and versatile serving options, it’s a delightful addition to any meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe that delivers authentic Greek taste right at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken chunks to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated chicken alternately with onion and bell peppers onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Use fresh herbs for enhanced taste. Preheat your grill for optimal cooking results.