Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, this dish combines juicy marinated chicken with colorful veggies, all grilled to perfection. The standout qualities of this recipe lie in its simplicity and the delightful Mediterranean taste that makes it a favorite among many.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Marinade
• For the Vegetables
• For Garnish
• How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 3: Preheat the Grill
• Step 4: Assemble Skewers
• Step 5: Grill
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• With Warm Pita Bread
• Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce
• Over a Fresh Greek Salad
• With Lemon Wedges
• As a Skewer Appetizer
• In a Mediterranean Bowl
• How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I substitute other meats in this recipe?
• How do I make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?
• What should I serve with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve your souvlaki with warm pita and tzatziki, or add it to salads and wraps for a versatile meal.
• Healthy Meal Choice: Grilled chicken is low in calories yet high in protein, making it a nutritious option for any diet.
• Great for Gatherings: These skewers are ideal for parties or barbecues; everyone loves a good souvlaki!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking this delicious chicken souvlaki, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools will help ensure that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Grill

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: Soaking these in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix your marinade thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Useful for blending the marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Grill: Provides the best way to achieve that perfect charred flavor in your chicken.

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

For Garnish

• 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 them gently to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while waiting for your chicken to marinate.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers. Alternate between pieces of chicken and chunks of red onion and bell peppers.

Step 5: Grill

Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and vegetables are tender with slight charring.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill and serve immediately with warm pita bread. Don’t forget a side of creamy tzatziki sauce! Enjoy your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate your dining experience, bringing the essence of Greece right to your table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that pair beautifully with this dish.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Enjoy the grilled chicken skewers wrapped in warm pita for a classic Greek touch. The soft bread complements the juiciness of the chicken.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Serve alongside creamy tzatziki sauce, made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. This refreshing dip balances the flavors of the grilled meat.

Over a Fresh Greek Salad

• Place the souvlaki on a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

With Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of lemon over the souvlaki enhances the flavors. It adds brightness and a zesty kick that complements the marinade perfectly.

As a Skewer Appetizer

• Serve the skewers as an appetizer at your next gathering. They are easy to grab and make for a delicious finger food option.

In a Mediterranean Bowl

• Combine grilled chicken, rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese in a bowl for a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Achieving perfect authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is all about marinating and grilling techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat fully.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil will enhance the taste of your marinade significantly.
• Pre-soak wooden skewers: Soaking prevents wooden skewers from burning on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes before threading your ingredients.
• Grill at medium-high heat: Cooking at this temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through while getting those nice charred marks.
• Turn occasionally: Rotate your skewers every few minutes during grilling for even cooking and great texture on all sides.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can create a well-rounded meal full of flavor. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and oregano.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs make for colorful additions.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with broth and herbs provides a hearty base that complements grilled flavors.
4. Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita chips or fresh vegetables offers a delightful dip that pairs nicely with souvlaki.
5. Feta Cheese Dip: Whipped feta blended with herbs creates a savory spread ideal for enjoying with pita bread.
6. Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon juice and herbs bring zest and comfort to your meal.
7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine-wrapped delights filled with rice and herbs add an authentic touch to your dining experience.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until slightly charred makes for a tasty side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can lead to bland flavor. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
• Using dry skewers: If your wooden skewers aren’t soaked, they can burn on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken and vegetables can lead to uneven cooking. Allow space between pieces for even heat distribution.
• Not preheating the grill: Grilling on a cold surface may result in tough chicken. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat for perfect grilling.
• Cooking too long: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry. Grill until just cooked through, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Place cooled souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place souvlaki on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place souvlaki on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté the souvlaki until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

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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 and tzatziki sauce.

Can I substitute other meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use pork, lamb, or even shrimp as alternatives to chicken in your souvlaki.

How do I make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?

To make tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.

What should I serve with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve it with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a delightful taste of Greece right at home. Its juicy marinated chicken paired with vibrant veggies makes it not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize your souvlaki with different vegetables or sauces based on your preferences!

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