Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a delightful dish that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Greek cuisine. With its succulent pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, it offers an explosion of flavors that transport you straight to a summer tavern in Greece.
The zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs create a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. This recipe is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about sharing memories and cultivating joy around the dining table.
Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate this staple dish in your own home, and enjoy the taste of Greece with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for several reasons. First and foremost is its easy preparation—marinating the chicken is straightforward, and the grill does the rest of the work. It’s a perfect family-friendly dish that appeals to all ages, ensuring that dinner is not only enjoyable but also stress-free. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time that allows you to enjoy dinner in under an hour, this recipe marries convenience with traditional tastes, making it a standout choice in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
When preparing this dish, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients that are both fresh and flavorful and will contribute to the overall experience of your Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into juicy chunks
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, rich in flavor and health benefits
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, for a zesty brightness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, to add depth
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, fragrant and aromatic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, earthy and herbaceous
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
- 1 red onion, cut into thick, colorful chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, vibrant and sweet
- 1 green bell pepper, crisp and fresh
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes, to prevent burning on the grill
Step-by-Step Directions for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until all the elements meld together into a fragrant marinade.
- Toss the chicken chunks into the marinade, gently coating each piece. Once well-dressed, cover the bowl and let it refrigerate for a minimum of one hour—or even better, overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to achieve those ideal grill marks.
- Skewer the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, creating a vibrant pattern by alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables tender yet slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot, accompanied by a refreshing tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Preparing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki: Tips & Tricks
For optimal flavor and texture, consider these helpful tips and tricks. Marinating the chicken overnight is highly recommended, as it allows the flavors to intensify. If you want to add a smoky flavor, consider grilling over charcoal rather than gas. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables—zucchini and cherry tomatoes make excellent additions and provide a pop of color. Before threading the ingredients onto the skewers, make sure your wooden skewers have soaked long enough; this ensures they won’t burn during grilling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Present your Chicken Souvlaki beautifully by serving it alongside traditional accompaniments such as fluffy pita bread and fresh Greek salad topped with feta cheese. For a complete meal, you can pair the skewers with a side of fragrant rice or grilled vegetables. Additionally, elevating the dish with a dollop of creamy tzatziki creates a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, enhancing the overall experience. For drinks, a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced herbal tea pairs perfectly.
Nutritional Information for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only delicious but also offers a healthy dining option. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 14g
These values may vary based on how the chicken is marinated or served but typically provide a lean source of protein packed with flavor. For an optional indulgence, consider enjoying a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of feta cheese on your Greek salad.
Storing Tips & Variations for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
When it comes to storing your Chicken Souvlaki, ensure that any leftovers are kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer-term storage, these skewers can be frozen; just wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Reheating is simple—just warm them in the oven or on the grill until heated through. If you aim for a healthier twist, try swapping the chicken for turkey or plant-based alternatives. For a fun variation, explore different marinades such as yogurt-based or spicy harissa for an exciting twist.
Conclusion for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Don’t wait any longer to try this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe! With its vibrant flavors and enticing aromas, it’s a dish that promises to impress both at casual family dinners and festive gatherings alike. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience that brings a taste of Greece right to your home.
FAQs for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully and may provide a juicier end result due to their higher fat content.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as one hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
3. What dipping sauce goes best with Chicken Souvlaki?
Classic tzatziki sauce makes the perfect accompaniment, but you can also serve with a spicy yogurt dip or hummus for added variety.
4. Can I make Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?
Absolutely! You can bake the skewers at a high temperature or use a broiler for similar results if you don’t have access to a grill.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and then grill it on the day of serving, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection with vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh 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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Toss the chicken chunks into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.
- Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
For optimal flavor, marinate overnight. Feel free to experiment with vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
