Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or meal prep, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. With juicy chicken marinated in zesty ingredients and grilled alongside colorful vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with pita bread, salad, or even over rice; it fits any meal style.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this souvlaki is a nutritious choice for any diet.
• Grill-Friendly: Ideal for outdoor cooking, these skewers create a delightful smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Grill
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: Essential for threading the chicken and veggies evenly while grilling.
• Grill: Provides the perfect cooking method to achieve that charred flavor.
• Large bowl: Necessary for mixing the marinade and marinating the chicken effectively.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ 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

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How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
1. ¼ cup olive oil
2. ¼ cup lemon juice
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 tablespoon dried oregano
5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade:
1. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare your skewers.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers:
1. Alternate pieces of chicken with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Cook on the grill for about 8–10 minutes:
1. Turn occasionally until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for an authentic experience!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate your meal experience with its vibrant flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining enjoyment.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Soft and fluffy – Warm pita bread pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, allowing you to create delicious wraps.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Cool and creamy – This yogurt-based sauce adds a refreshing touch, balancing the savory flavors of the grilled chicken.

On a Fresh Salad

• Crisp and nutritious – Serve the chicken souvlaki on a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a light meal.

In a Pita Pocket

• Fun and portable – Stuff the chicken souvlaki into pita pockets with veggies for a quick lunch on-the-go.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Colorful and flavorful – Pair your souvlaki with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for a wholesome side.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Variety is key – Include small portions of hummus, olives, and feta alongside your chicken souvlaki for a Mediterranean feast.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting authentic Greek chicken souvlaki takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Marinate overnight – For maximum flavor, let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight before grilling.
• Use fresh herbs – Fresh oregano and thyme provide a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs, enhancing your dish’s authenticity.
• Preheat the grill properly – A hot grill helps achieve that perfect char while keeping the chicken juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers – Leave space between pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Let it rest after grilling – Allowing the skewers to rest for a few minutes helps retain juices before serving.
• Experiment with vegetables – Feel free to mix in other veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for added flavor and variety.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Greek Salad – A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil makes for a refreshing side.
2. Lemon Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice infused with lemon adds brightness that complements the savory flavors of the souvlaki.
3. Grilled Halloumi Cheese – This savory cheese becomes golden brown when grilled, offering a delightful texture alongside your meal.
4. Roasted Potatoes with Herbs – Crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary or oregano provide a comforting contrast to grilled meat.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas) – These vine leaves filled with rice and herbs bring an authentic Mediterranean twist to your plate.
6. Feta Dip with Pita Chips – A creamy feta dip served with crunchy pita chips is an excellent appetizer or snack option.
7. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – Quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables and herbs offers a healthy yet hearty side dish option.
8. Olive Tapenade – A spread made from olives that adds richness and depth of flavor when served alongside your souvlaki.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Marinade: Don’t underestimate the power of marinating! Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least an hour enhances its flavor significantly.
• Using Too Much Heat: Grilling at excessively high temperatures can char the outside before the chicken is fully cooked inside. Stick to medium-high heat for even cooking.
• Not Soaking Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning and ensures they hold your delicious souvlaki together.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Avoid packing too much chicken and vegetables on each skewer. Leave space between pieces to allow for even cooking and proper grilling.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil, then warm skewers until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki consists of marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce. It embodies vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! While chicken is popular, you can also use pork, lamb, or beef as alternatives. Just adjust the marinade times accordingly for different meats.

How do I make a homemade tzatziki sauce?

To make tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, diced cucumbers, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit in the fridge before serving.

What can I serve with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Consider serving it with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. A side of rice also complements this dish beautifully.

Can I grill souvlaki indoors?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a stovetop grill pan or broiler to achieve similar results indoors.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki offers a delightful taste of Greece that you can easily recreate at home. This versatile dish is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners alike. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices in the marinade. Enjoy every bite!

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