Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Perfect for family dinners, outdoor barbecues, or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The marinated chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor, while the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch. Pair it with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete meal experience that stands out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The marinade features herbs and spices that create a mouthwatering taste you won’t forget.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish fits right in.
- Healthier Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, it’s a guilt-free indulgence!
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: Serve it as skewers, in wraps, or on salads – the possibilities are endless!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are essential for holding the chicken and vegetables together while grilling.
- Grill or grill pan: Provides that perfect char and smoky flavor that makes souvlaki delicious.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly in the flavorful mixture.
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 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. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Step 3: Assemble Skewers
After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers. Alternate with red onion and bell peppers for added color and taste.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough before placing the skewers on it.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the 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. Serve warm with pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious authentic Greek chicken souvlaki!
How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is as important as preparing it. The right accompaniments can enhance the flavors and create a memorable meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve this dish.
With Warm Pita Bread
- Warm pita bread perfectly complements the grilled chicken souvlaki, allowing you to wrap the meat and veggies for easy eating.
Tzatziki Sauce on the Side
- A creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch. Made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, it’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over the souvlaki.
Fresh Greek Salad
- A fresh Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
Lemon Wedges
- Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their souvlaki, enhancing its flavor with a zesty kick.
Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant can be served alongside or skewered with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
Rice Pilaf
- A light rice pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs well with the souvlaki, offering a filling side option to round out your meal.
How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
To make sure your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will elevate your dish. Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs when available.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. This helps achieve those delicious grill marks and lock in juices.
- Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave some space between pieces of chicken and vegetables on your skewers. This ensures even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled skewers to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Pairing your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki with tasty sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Greek Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes tossed in lemon juice and olive oil offer a tangy complement to the savory chicken.
- Feta Cheese Dip: A creamy dip made with feta cheese is perfect for spreading on pita or serving with veggies.
- Hummus Platter: A platter of hummus served with assorted vegetables provides a healthy, crunchy side option.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a fun summer vibe to your meal.
- Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs and veggies makes for a refreshing side that balances out rich flavors.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These flavorful bites filled with rice and herbs are a traditional Mediterranean favorite.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned roasted cauliflower brings an earthy taste that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Olive Tapenade: A spread made from olives that can be enjoyed on bread or as a dip adds depth of flavor to any plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the marinade time: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. If you skip this step, your souvlaki may taste bland.
- Using low-quality olive oil: The quality of olive oil significantly impacts flavor. Always use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste in your marinade.
- Not soaking skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Overcrowding skewers: Ensure each piece of chicken and vegetable has space on the skewer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and longer grilling times.
- Ignoring internal temperature: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked or dry chicken.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
- It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Ensure it is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Place cooked souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label and date your containers for better organization in your freezer.
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 until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and warm the souvlaki for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe?
An authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe features marinated chicken grilled on skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Key ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano.
How do I make my Greek chicken souvlaki more flavorful?
To enhance flavors, ensure you marinate the chicken long enough and use fresh herbs. Adding more garlic or spices can also boost the taste profile of your dish.
Can I customize my authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to the skewers. Additionally, experimenting with different marinades can create unique variations.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
The total time for this authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe is about 30 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece right at home. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or sauces according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and savor every bite!
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish is perfect for family dinners, outdoor barbecues, or casual gatherings, impressing your guests with its juicy, marinated chicken and fresh vegetables. The key to its mouthwatering taste lies in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices that make every bite unforgettable. Serve it with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic meal experience that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 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 to taste
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Thread marinated chicken and vegetables onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for about 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving 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 (115g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Consider adding cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the skewers for variety. Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor in your marinade.
