Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Enjoy a taste of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish features tender chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Grilled to perfection, it’s served alongside warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a robust flavor that elevates the chicken.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or serve the chicken over rice for a different twist.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this recipe is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this authentic dish that transports them straight to Greece.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe requires some essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: These are perfect for holding the chicken and vegetables together while grilling. Soaking them prevents burning on the grill.
• Grill or grill pan: A good grill gives the chicken those beautiful char marks while enhancing the flavor with smoky undertones.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken; it allows all ingredients to blend thoroughly.

Ingredients

To create your own Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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

For the Vegetables

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

Additional

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

1. While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
2. Set aside until ready to assemble skewer.

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

1. Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread marinated chicken chunks alternately with pieces of onion and bell peppers onto each skewer.
2. Leave some space between each piece for even grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some great suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Warm Pita Bread

• Enjoy the chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread for a classic Greek touch.

Add Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Serve with tzatziki made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs for a refreshing dip.

Top with Fresh Vegetables

• Garnish with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce for added crunch and freshness.

Accompany with Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the dish.

Serve Over Rice Pilaf

• Place the souvlaki on a bed of fluffy rice pilaf for a hearty meal option.

Include a Simple Greek Salad

• A salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta complements the grilled chicken beautifully.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

To achieve the best results with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight—for deeper flavor.
• Soak Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Use High Heat: Grill over high heat for that perfect char and juicy texture while keeping the chicken tender.
• Cut Evenly: Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking and better presentation.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps retain juices.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes on skewers for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can make your meal more complete. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Salad
   A mix of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Lemon Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice cooked with broth and lemon zest adds brightness to your plate.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers roasted until caramelized create a delicious combo.
4. Chickpea Salad
   Toss chickpeas with parsley, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil for a protein-packed side.
5. Grilled Eggplant
   Slices of eggplant brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender offer a smoky flavor contrast.
6. Olive Tapenade
   This spread made from olives, capers, and herbs pairs perfectly with pita bread or crackers.
7. Feta Cheese Dip
   A creamy feta dip served with pita chips makes an excellent appetizer before the main course.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves
   These vine leaves filled with rice and herbs provide a delightful Mediterranean touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Using dry skewers: If you use wooden skewers without soaking them, they may catch fire on the grill. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken on one skewer can result in uneven cooking. Leave enough space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
• Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill for a few minutes before adding the skewers.
• Ignoring vegetable prep: Using uncut or large pieces of vegetables can prevent even cooking. Cut your veggies into uniform chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate as the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste and quality.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe.

What is the best cut of chicken for souvlaki?

The best cut of chicken for souvlaki is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They remain tender and juicy when grilled.

Can I make this recipe with beef or turkey?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with beef or turkey using the same marinade and grilling technique.

How do I serve authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve it on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and lemon wedges for a delicious meal.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not just flavorful but also versatile. Enjoy it as a main dish or as part of a larger feast. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or serving it with various sauces, making it perfect for any occasion!