Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, outdoor barbecues, or any festive occasion. The blend of herbs and spices creates a flavor that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Pair it with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in pita wraps, on skewers, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
- Healthy Meal Choice: With lean chicken breast and fresh veggies, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, chicken souvlaki is sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are crucial for holding the marinated chicken and vegetables together while grilling.
- Grill or grill pan: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds that perfect char flavor to the chicken.
- Mixing bowl: This is necessary for combining your marinade ingredients effectively.
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables. Cut them into chunks similar in size to the chicken so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Assemble Skewers
After marinating, thread pieces of chicken onto wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.
Step 5: Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. If using a grill pan indoors, lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 6: Grill the Skewers
Place the assembled skewers on your preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Turn occasionally to ensure even grilling.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki!
How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
With Warm Pita Bread
- Serve the grilled chicken skewers in warm pita bread for a classic presentation. You can wrap the souvlaki or serve them alongside for easy dipping.
Paired with Tzatziki Sauce
- A creamy tzatziki sauce complements the grilled chicken perfectly. This yogurt-based sauce adds freshness and tang, making every bite delicious.
On a Bed of Greek Salad
- Place the chicken souvlaki on top of a vibrant Greek salad. The mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese adds color and crunch to your dish.
As Part of a Mezze Platter
- Include the chicken souvlaki in a mezze platter with other Mediterranean treats. Hummus, baba ganoush, and olives make for an inviting appetizer spread.
How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Perfecting your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil will enhance the flavor of your marinade significantly.
- Marinate Overnight: For the best taste, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Soak Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Grill at High Heat: Cooking at high heat gives you that nice char while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd your grill. Give each piece enough space for even cooking and browning.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling ensures it stays moist when you cut into it.
Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Consider these tasty options to complete your dining experience.
- Greek Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and spices provides a great base for soaking up any sauces.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers roasted until tender add color and nutrition.
- Lemon Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these potatoes are seasoned with lemon juice and oregano for extra zing.
- Feta Cheese Dip: A creamy feta dip served with pita chips makes an excellent appetizer or side.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine leaves filled with rice and herbs offer a traditional Mediterranean touch to your meal.
- Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds protein and fiber to balance your plate.
- Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Slightly salty halloumi grilled until golden brown brings unique flavor and texture alongside souvlaki.
- Tabbouleh Salad: This light salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon is fresh and zesty—perfect alongside rich souvlaki.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Allow at least 30 minutes for marination, or overnight for the best taste.
- Using Dry Skewers: Not soaking wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak your skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too much chicken and vegetables tightly can prevent even cooking. Space pieces evenly on the skewer for thorough grilling.
- Not Preheating the Grill: Grilling on a cold surface can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding the skewers.
- Ignoring the Cooking Time: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Monitor closely, aiming for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through but still juicy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Place cooked souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Oven: Preheat 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 dish, covering with a lid or wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Cook souvlaki for about 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe?
This recipe features marinated chunks of chicken grilled on skewers, served with pita and tzatziki. It captures traditional Greek flavors through simple ingredients and techniques.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended. However, overnight yields even better results.
Can I use other meats in this souvlaki recipe?
Absolutely! While this is an authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, you can substitute chicken with pork or lamb if preferred.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve your souvlaki with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a Greek salad. Tzatziki sauce is also essential for dipping!
How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Monitor cooking time carefully and avoid overcooking your chicken. Aim for just cooked through while retaining moisture.
Final Thoughts
This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a delightful taste of Greece right at home. Its versatility allows you to customize with various sides or sauces based on your preferences. Enjoy grilling this dish during summer gatherings or cozy dinners; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features succulent, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, outdoor barbecues, or festive gatherings. The harmonious blend of olive oil, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that truly embodies Greek cuisine. Serve these tender skewers with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken chunks to the marinade; mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While marinating, cut vegetables into similar-sized chunks.
- Thread marinated chicken and vegetables onto wooden skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease if using a grill pan.
- Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), turning occasionally.
- Let rest briefly before serving 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 (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight if possible. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Feel free to substitute chicken with pork or lamb for variations.
