Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. This dish brings together juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection on skewers with colorful veggies. Perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or any festive occasion, this recipe will impress your guests while being easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of tangy and savory flavors.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a fantastic meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in warm pita, over a salad, or alongside rice for different meal ideas.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this recipe is a nutritious choice.
• Great for Meal Prep: Marinate extra chicken for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Grill
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: Essential for holding the chicken and vegetables together while grilling.
• Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor that makes souvlaki so delicious.
• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade and coating the chicken thoroughly.
• Tongs: Help you turn the skewers easily without losing any ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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

• 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 olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

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

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding your skewers.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread marinated chicken onto wooden skewers. Alternate with pieces of red onion and bell peppers for added color and taste.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender with a slight char.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill and serve immediately with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is a delightful experience that can transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavors and gives a complete meal.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Soft and fluffy pita: Serve your chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Pita chips: For a crunchy option, serve pita chips on the side for added texture and flavor.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Classic tzatziki: This creamy cucumber sauce complements the grilled chicken perfectly, adding freshness and tang.
• Spicy variations: Experiment with adding chili flakes to your tzatziki for a spicy kick.

As Part of a Greek Salad

• Fresh ingredients: Combine your chicken souvlaki with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad.
• Light dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice to enhance the salad’s flavors.

In a Wrap or Pita Pocket

• Easy-to-eat wrap: Fill a pita pocket with chicken, veggies, and sauces for a quick meal on the go.
• Customizable toppings: Let guests choose their favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or onions.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting authentic Greek chicken souvlaki requires attention to detail in marinating and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is flavorful and juicy.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances flavor absorption for a more intense taste.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano and thyme can elevate your marinade compared to dried versions.
• Preheat grill properly: Ensuring your grill is hot enough will give you that perfect char on the chicken and veggies.
• Soak skewers in water: Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Turn occasionally while grilling: This helps cook the chicken evenly while preventing it from drying out.
• Check internal temperature: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption without compromising juiciness.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with authentic Greek chicken souvlaki adds variety to your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the dish beautifully.

1. Greek Lemon Rice: A fragrant rice dish cooked with lemon juice and herbs that pairs well with the grilled flavors of souvlaki.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Feta Cheese Dip (Tirokafteri): A spicy feta dip that adds creaminess and zest; serve with fresh bread or crackers.
4. Chickpea Salad: A hearty salad made with chickpeas, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers both protein and freshness.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled alongside souvlaki make for a great side dish rich in flavor.
6. Lentil Soup (Fakes): A hearty soup that works as an excellent starter; it’s nutritious and filling before enjoying your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making authentic Greek chicken souvlaki, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Placing too much chicken and vegetables on each skewer can cause uneven cooking. Leave space between pieces for better heat circulation.
• Neglecting to Preheat the Grill: Starting with a cold grill can result in sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal results.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality chicken or olive oil can affect the taste. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Not Checking for Doneness: Undercooking chicken can be unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Place the cooled souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Authentic Greek chicken souvlaki consists of marinated chicken grilled on skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

How can I customize my Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, or use a mix of herbs based on your taste preference.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or even shrimp while using the same marinade.

What side dishes pair well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Consider serving it with a Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Is there a vegetarian option for souvlaki?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. It’s perfect as a main dish or served as part of a Mediterranean feast. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides; the possibilities are endless!