Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Enjoy a taste of Greece with this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with warm pita bread and a side of creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you crave something deliciously different. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic seasonings makes this recipe truly stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bursting with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as part of a Mediterranean feast alongside salads and dips.
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
• Great for Grilling: Perfect for backyard barbecues or indoor grilling, bringing everyone together for a fun meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create your authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These are vital for holding your chicken and vegetables together while they grill, making it easy to turn them for even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine your marinade ingredients effectively and coat your chicken evenly.
• Grill or grill pan: This tool is crucial for achieving that charred flavor and beautiful grill marks on your chicken skewers.

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

Other Essentials

• 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 blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Once marinated, take your soaked wooden skewers. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto each skewer alternately with pieces of red onion and bell peppers.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to sear the chicken properly.

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 heat 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 authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and sauces, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Enjoy the souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread for a classic Greek experience. The bread adds a soft texture and absorbs the flavorful juices from the chicken.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

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

On a Fresh Salad

• Create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The fresh vegetables add crunch and balance out the rich flavors of the souvlaki.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Incorporate the souvlaki into a mezze platter with various dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. This makes for an exciting appetizer spread for guests.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Perfecting your chicken souvlaki can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe shines.

• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. This allows the spices and herbs to fully penetrate the meat.

• Soak Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

• Use High Heat: Grill your souvlaki over high heat to achieve those beautiful char marks. High heat locks in moisture while creating a delicious crust.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave space between each skewer on the grill. This ensures even cooking and allows smoke to circulate around each piece of chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki enhances its flavors and creates a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and eggplant roasted with olive oil and herbs add color and flavor to your plate.

3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with broth and herbs makes for a hearty side that complements the grilled chicken.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until slightly charred provides a delightful contrast to the savory souvlaki.

5. Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and oregano bring a zesty touch that pairs well with chicken.

6. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine-wrapped parcels filled with rice and herbs offer a tasty Mediterranean bite alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure delicious results.

• Skipping the marinade: Marinating chicken is essential for flavor and tenderness. Make sure to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.
• Using dry skewers: If you use wooden skewers without soaking them, they may burn on the grill. Soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken and vegetables onto one skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Space them out to ensure even grilling.
• Ignoring cooking temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for optimal grilling.
• Not letting the meat rest: Cutting into your chicken right after grilling can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Place cooled chicken souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place souvlaki on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot, but be careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water and cover. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

You can certainly substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or turkey if you prefer a different flavor profile!

What side dishes pair well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Consider serving with warm pita bread, fresh salads, or tzatziki sauce for a complete meal experience.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate and skewer the chicken ahead of time. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give it a try and impress your family with this delightful dish!