Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. Perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight meal, it features juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce on warm pita, this recipe is both satisfying and refreshing. Enjoy the delightful blend of Mediterranean ingredients any day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe only requires 15 minutes of prep time, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano creates a zesty flavor that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a wrap, on a salad, or as part of a mezze platter — the choices are endless!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and rich in fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
• Grill or Bake: Whether you prefer grilling outdoors or baking indoors, this recipe fits both methods perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Greek Chicken Souvlaki, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Grill or oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Zip-top bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding together the marinated chicken while grilling or baking.
• Grill: Provides that signature charred flavor while keeping the chicken juicy.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

For the Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread (khubz)
• Lemon slices, for squeezing

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag (removing excess air) and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers

1. Remove chicken from the marinade.
2. Thread onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 3: Grill Method

1. Preheat grill to medium-high and clean/oil the grates.
2. Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 163°F).
3. Baste once with reserved marinade while grilling (discard any leftover marinade).
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling.

Step 4: Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place chicken cubes on a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake on top oven rack for 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 163°F.
4. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Serve grilled chicken on warm pita with sliced tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

With these steps complete, your delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful experience. You can customize your plate with various toppings and sides that complement the chicken beautifully.

Classic Pita Wrap

• Use warm pita bread to wrap the grilled chicken, adding fresh veggies for crunch and flavor.

Mediterranean Salad

• Serve alongside a refreshing salad made with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a light and healthy option.

Grilled Veggies

• Add skewers of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a colorful, smoky side dish that pairs well with the chicken.

Tzatziki Dipping Sauce

• Offer additional tzatziki on the side for extra creaminess; it makes a great dip for both chicken and veggies.

Lemon Wedges

• Provide lemon wedges for squeezing over the souvlaki, enhancing the bright flavors of the dish.

Rice Pilaf

• Serve with fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs and spices for a filling accompaniment to your meal.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

To make your Greek Chicken Souvlaki truly outstanding, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and ensure juicy chicken.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for more than an hour can deepen the flavors of your marinade.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality olive oil will significantly improve the taste of your souvlaki.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Keeping space between chicken pieces promotes even cooking on the grill or in the oven.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing skewers on it; this helps create a nice sear on the meat.
• Let it Rest: Allowing grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes post-cooking ensures juiciness as the juices redistribute.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices like paprika or cumin to your marinade for extra flavor depth.

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Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing sides with Greek Chicken Souvlaki can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that balance flavors beautifully.

1. Greek Salad: A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil brings freshness to your plate.
2. Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita chips adds richness and is perfect for dipping alongside souvlaki.
3. Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon zest provides brightness and complements the savory chicken well.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with oregano make a hearty side that pairs nicely with grilled meats.
5. Tabbouleh: This herbaceous salad of bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon offers a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and salt adds a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with savory souvlaki.
7. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad with chickpeas, diced bell peppers, and herbs creates an earthy balance to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Greek Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring the Marinade Time: Failing to marinate the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you marinate for at least 45 minutes to infuse the chicken with the delicious Mediterranean spices.
• Overcrowding Skewers: Packing too many pieces of chicken on a skewer can prevent even cooking. Leave space between each piece so that they grill properly.
• Skipping the Soaking of Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, not soaking them can result in burning during grilling. Soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Grilling chicken on a cold grill can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on it.
• Using Leftover Marinade: Basting with leftover marinade can introduce harmful bacteria. Always discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in short intervals until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and cook until warm, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a popular street food made from marinated grilled chicken served on pita bread, typically accompanied by fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce.

How do I make my own Tzatziki sauce?

To make Tzatziki sauce, mix plain yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill or mint. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use pork, lamb, or beef as alternatives for Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

What sides pair well with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf enhances the meal’s Mediterranean flair.

Can I grill the skewers indoors?

While grilling outdoors is ideal, you can use an indoor grill pan or broiler. Adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful dish that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your table. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it with different proteins or add extra toppings like feta cheese or olives. Give it a try at your next gathering or weeknight dinner!

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