Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This dish features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. It’s grilled to perfection and served with warm pita bread and a creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe stands out for its fresh flavors and simple preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal. Customize your sides to suit any occasion.
• Healthy Choice: Low in calories but high in protein, this recipe is perfect for those looking for a nutritious dinner option.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick future meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill or grill pan
• Bowl for marinating
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together while they cook evenly on the grill.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides that perfect charred flavor that makes souvlaki so special, giving it an authentic taste.
• Bowl for marinating: Allows you to thoroughly coat the chicken with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping and removing skewers from the grill safely.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Souvlaki

• 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
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

While the chicken marinates, cut your vegetables (red onion and bell peppers) into chunks. These will add color and flavor to your skewers.

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers. Make sure not to overcrowd each skewer to allow even cooking.

Step 4: Preheat Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill Skewers

Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Pair with Warm Pita Bread

• Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around the grilled chicken souvlaki. It adds a soft texture and complements the dish beautifully.

Add Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• This refreshing sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic pairs wonderfully with the chicken. Its coolness balances the grill’s smoky flavors.

Serve with Fresh Salad

• A simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the souvlaki.

Include Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus can enhance your meal. Their charred flavor complements the chicken perfectly.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty touch. Squeezing lemon over the souvlaki brightens up the dish and enhances its flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling chopped parsley or dill on top adds color and freshness. These herbs enhance both presentation and taste.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Achieving the perfect authentic Greek chicken souvlaki involves attention to detail in preparation and cooking methods. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
• Use Skewers Wisely: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. A high temperature helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and locks in moisture.
• Cook Evenly: Turn the skewers regularly while grilling to ensure even cooking on all sides. This prevents some pieces from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees safe consumption and juiciness.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices within the chicken for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Greek Salad
   A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion dressed in olive oil makes for a refreshing side that balances out the rich flavors of the souvlaki.
2. Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are an excellent choice. They provide a hearty element alongside your grilled chicken.
3. Couscous Salad
   Light and fluffy couscous tossed with vegetables and herbs creates a tasty side that absorbs any leftover tzatziki sauce beautifully.
4. Hummus Platter
   Serve hummus with assorted veggies or pita chips. Its creamy texture complements the grilled meat while adding more nutrition to your meal.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
   These vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs offer a classic Mediterranean taste that pairs well with chicken souvlaki’s bold flavors.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and lightly charred adds a smoky sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory grilled chicken.
7. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
   A bowl filled with quinoa, chickpeas, diced vegetables, and lemon dressing provides protein-packed nutrition while enhancing your meal’s flavors.
8. Feta Cheese Dip
   A creamy dip made from feta cheese blended with herbs offers an additional layer of flavor perfect for dipping pita bread or veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when preparing the Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Always allow at least 30 minutes for marination, or overnight if possible, for juicy, flavorful chicken.
• Not Soaking Skewers: Using dry wooden skewers can result in burning during grilling. Soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent this issue.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many pieces on the grill can lead to uneven cooking. Space out your chicken and vegetables on the skewers for better heat distribution.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Grilling at too high a temperature can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for perfect grilling.
• Cutting Chicken Too Big: If chicken pieces are too large, they may not cook properly. Cut your chicken into uniform chunks, about 1-2 inches each, for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Freeze cooked souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat skewers on a baking sheet until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Microwave: Place souvlaki on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this dish.

What is an Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a dish made from marinated chicken pieces that are skewered and grilled, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can easily substitute turkey, lamb, or beef instead of chicken while following the same marination process.

How can I customize my Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers or change the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Using fresh herbs enhances flavor but dried herbs work just fine if fresh ones aren’t available; adjust quantities as needed since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different veggies or dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try for your next dinner gathering!