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. It’s perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with delicious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a tasty meal that looks gourmet.
• Bursting with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a side of tzatziki for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Grill Lovers: The grilling adds an irresistible smoky flavor that elevates the chicken.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

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: They hold your chicken and vegetables together while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor that makes this dish special.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for marinating the chicken thoroughly in the flavorful mixture.

Ingredients

For this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, you’ll need 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 Skewers

• 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

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

To start, combine 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 pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Once marinated, thread chicken chunks alternately with onion and bell pepper pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it is hot before placing your skewers on it.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

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

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate the dining experience and make it memorable. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Fresh pita bread complements the juicy chicken well. Use it to wrap the souvlaki or serve it on the side for dipping.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• This creamy sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic adds a refreshing touch. It’s perfect for dipping both the chicken and pita.

With a Greek Salad

• A traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese makes a colorful and healthy side option that balances the meal.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the souvlaki over fluffy rice for a hearty meal. Consider using lemon-infused rice to enhance the flavors further.

With Marinated Vegetables

• Grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers pair wonderfully with souvlaki and add extra nutrients.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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

• Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender and juicy pieces.
• Marinate for Longer: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Soak Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures proper searing of the chicken, locking in juices while adding a nice char.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Place chunks of chicken and vegetables with slight gaps between them for even cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure safety and perfect doneness, cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki enhances its flavors. Here are some excellent options.

1. Greek Lemon Potatoes: These potatoes are roasted to golden perfection with olive oil and lemon juice, offering a zesty flavor.
2. Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing salad made with parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and mint that provides a light contrast to rich flavors.
3. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Grape leaves filled with herbed rice make an excellent finger food that complements the main dish.
4. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices add protein and texture to your meal.
5. Feta Cheese Platter: A selection of feta cheese served with olives can provide a salty bite paired well with grilled meats.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled offers a smoky flavor that pairs well with souvlaki.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using dry chicken: Always use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Marinate them well to keep them juicy and flavorful.
• Skipping the marinade time: Don’t rush the marinating process. Aim for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the chicken.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Be mindful of how much you place on each skewer. Leave some space between pieces for even cooking and better flavor.
• Not soaking wooden skewers: Always soak your wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning while grilling.
• Ignoring temperature control: Grill at a medium-high heat for best results. This ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet until warmed, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I ensure my chicken is tender in the Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Marinating your chicken properly is key. Use plenty of olive oil and lemon juice, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute with beef, lamb, or turkey, following the same marinating and grilling instructions.

What can I serve with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or creamy tzatziki sauce.

How long does it take to make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your taste. Give it a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!