Greek Chicken Souvlaki: The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Flavor

Greek Chicken Souvlaki: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece, right from your very own kitchen! Imagine tender, marinated chicken, grilled to perfection and bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a taste of history, and a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients.

Souvlaki, meaning “little skewer,” has roots stretching back to ancient Greece, where skewered meats were a common and beloved street food. Over centuries, it has evolved, but the essence remains the same: delicious, portable, and perfect for sharing. Today, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is enjoyed worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, creating a tender and juicy bite. The grilling process adds a smoky char that elevates the taste to another level. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it in warm pita bread with creamy tzatziki sauce, alongside a refreshing Greek salad, or simply enjoy it straight off the skewer. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is always a winner. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Pita bread, warmed
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Marinade:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this recipe – the marinade! This is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with that classic Greek flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. This is your flavor explosion waiting to happen!
2. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. You want every single cube to be swimming in that deliciousness.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. I usually aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is my go-to.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the Tzatziki sauce. This cool and creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the grilled chicken and adds a refreshing element to the souvlaki.

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is crucial! You don’t want watery Tzatziki.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it gets! I usually make this while the chicken is marinating so it has plenty of time to chill.

Assembling and Grilling the Souvlaki:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together and getting that beautiful char on the chicken! Make sure your skewers are soaked and your grill is ready to go.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a nice gray ash coating.
2. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of the cubes.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
5. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving the Greek Chicken Souvlaki:

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to assemble and devour these delicious souvlaki. Get your pita bread warmed and your toppings ready!

1. Warm the pita bread according to package instructions or by lightly grilling them for a few seconds on each side.
2. To assemble the souvlaki, spread a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce on the warm pita bread.
3. Place a few chicken skewers on top of the Tzatziki sauce.
4. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and fresh parsley.
5. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the souvlaki for an extra burst of flavor (optional).
6. Wrap the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
• Vegetable skewers: Thread some bell peppers, onions, and zucchini onto separate skewers and grill them alongside the chicken.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade, such as rosemary or mint.
• Oven-baked souvlaki: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Make it a salad: Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette.
• Marinating Time: While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating the chicken overnight yields the best results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
• Yogurt Choice: Full-fat Greek yogurt will give you the richest and creamiest Tzatziki sauce. However, low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the yogurt before using it.
• Cucumber Preparation: Squeezing out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber is essential for preventing a watery Tzatziki sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Grilling Tips: Make sure your grill is properly preheated before placing the skewers on the grates. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking. Lightly oiling the grill grates can also help.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is more pliable and easier to wrap around the filling. You can warm the pita bread in a microwave, oven, or on a grill.
• Serving Suggestions: Greek Chicken Souvlaki is delicious served with a variety of sides, such as Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf.
• Leftovers: Leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a microwave, oven, or skillet before serving.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a passport to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, right from your own kitchen! I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it perfectly balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. The marinade, bursting with lemon, garlic, and oregano, transforms simple chicken into something truly special. It’s a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend barbecue. The vibrant flavors are guaranteed to impress, and the simple steps make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare and serve this Greek Chicken Souvlaki, feel free to get creative.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Platter: Serve the souvlaki on warm pita bread with a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of crispy Greek fries or a refreshing horiatiki salad (Greek salad) completes the experience.

* Souvlaki Bowls: For a lighter option, create souvlaki bowls with a base of quinoa or brown rice. Add the grilled chicken, chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives, and drizzle with a lemon-herb vinaigrette. Feta cheese is a must!

* Souvlaki Skewers with Roasted Vegetables: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers along with colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Grill or roast until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This is a fantastic way to add extra nutrients and visual appeal.

* Souvlaki Salad: Transform the souvlaki into a hearty salad by slicing the grilled chicken and tossing it with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing. Crumble some feta cheese on top for added flavor and texture.

* Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also use a spicy Greek seasoning blend.

* Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade. Thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of mint can add unique flavor dimensions.

* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Grill or pan-fry until golden brown and serve as you would the chicken souvlaki.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and find what works best for you and your family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven!), and get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Greek Chicken Souvlaki. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures! Please, try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!

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