Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. This juicy, marinated chicken is perfect for grilling and can be enjoyed at family gatherings, casual dinners, or even meal prep for the week. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano makes this dish stand out. Serve it with warm pita, a fresh Greek salad, and creamy tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The marinade comes together in minutes, making this recipe simple even for beginners.
• Flavorful: Each bite is packed with zesty and savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in flatbreads, alongside salads, or on its own as a protein-rich dish.
• Health-Conscious Choice: With lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients, this recipe is light yet satisfying.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Souvlaki, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Zip-top bags
• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Zip-top bags: Ideal for marinating chicken; they seal tightly to lock in flavor.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides even cooking and beautiful grill marks that enhance presentation.
• Skewers: Help to easily manage cooking multiple pieces of chicken at once.

Ingredients

To make delicious Chicken Souvlaki, gather the following ingredients:

Marinade Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced or pressed)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Chicken Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces)

To Serve

• Flatbreads
• Tzatziki
• Greek Salad

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper to create the marinade. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the chicken breast pieces into the bag. Remove excess air before sealing.
2. Gently massage the bag to ensure the marinade fully coats each piece of chicken.
3. Place the bag in the refrigerator and leave it to marinate for at least one hour, up to four hours.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

1. Prior to grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for approximately 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the pre-soaked skewers.

Step 5: Preheat Grill

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan.
2. Apply a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook Chicken Skewers

1. Once hot, add the chicken skewers to the grill or pan.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Let Rest & Serve

1. Remove skewers from heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve your Chicken Souvlaki with flatbreads, Greek salad, and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Chicken Souvlaki can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and textures.

With Warm Pita

• Warm pita bread complements the juicy chicken and is perfect for wrapping around the souvlaki for a delightful bite.

Greek Salad

• A fresh Greek salad adds a crisp contrast to the tender chicken. The tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives bring vibrant colors and flavors to your plate.

Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• This cool, creamy sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic balances the spices of the souvlaki beautifully. It’s an essential dip for added flavor.

Grilled Vegetables

• Pair with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Their smoky flavor enhances the overall meal.

Rice Pilaf

• Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes a great base for your chicken skewers. It absorbs the juices from the meat, adding another layer of taste.

Roasted Potatoes

• Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that complements the lightness of the Chicken Souvlaki.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

Achieving perfect Chicken Souvlaki requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least one hour helps infuse it with flavor. Longer marination intensifies taste and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil. These ingredients significantly enhance the flavor profile of your marinade.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill or grill pan is sufficiently hot before adding the skewers. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers to allow even cooking and prevent steaming, which can lead to dryness.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption while maintaining juiciness.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest post-cooking lets juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite remains moist.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing Chicken Souvlaki with complementary sides can enrich your meal experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Greek Yogurt Dip: A smooth dip made from Greek yogurt mixed with herbs adds creaminess that balances spiced chicken.
2. Tabbouleh Salad: This refreshing bulgur wheat salad loaded with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon provides a zesty contrast.
3. Hummus: Silky hummus serves as a great spread or dip for pita bread alongside souvlaki, enhancing its Mediterranean flair.
4. Feta Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle feta cheese on your Greek salad or directly on the souvlaki for an added salty touch.
5. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with veggies and herbs creates a light side that complements grilled flavors well.
6. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, this quinoa dish includes chickpeas, cucumber, and olives for a filling option that pairs nicely with Chicken Souvlaki.
7. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings earthy flavors that complement grilled meats perfectly.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine-wrapped treats filled with rice and herbs make a unique addition that enhances any Greek-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Souvlaki, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least one hour, but four hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring Skewer Pre-soaking: Failing to soak wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before use.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too much chicken onto each skewer can prevent even cooking. Space the pieces apart slightly for best results.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Putting chicken on a cold grill can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill or pan before adding the skewers.
• Forgetting to Rest the Chicken: Cutting into the chicken right after grilling can release juices. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen Chicken Souvlaki can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek dish made of marinated grilled chicken skewers, typically served with pita, tzatziki, and salad.

How do you make Chicken Souvlaki?

To make Chicken Souvlaki, marinate chicken pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; then grill until cooked through.

Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can use beef or lamb as alternative proteins for delicious souvlaki.

How do I customize my Chicken Souvlaki?

You can customize your Chicken Souvlaki by adding different spices or herbs to the marinade or serving it with various dips and salads.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki pairs well with Greek salad, warm pita bread, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Souvlaki is not only appealing due to its vibrant flavors but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with different marinades or sides according to your preference. Enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering or family dinner!