Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your kitchen, then this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is just what you need! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends and family. The combination of tender, marinated chicken and vibrant vegetables makes it a standout meal that everyone will love.

What makes this recipe truly special is not just its incredible flavor, but also how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the tender chicken and colorful veggies.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even more flavor!
• Fresh Flavors: The bright notes from lemon juice and herbs make each bite refreshing.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect with pita bread, over rice, or as part of a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need for a wonderful meal!

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 Skewers

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or firm tofu instead of chicken for a different twist!
• Add more veggies: Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade if you like a bit of heat.
• Make it Mediterranean: Serve with olives and feta cheese on the side for an authentic touch.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing that delicious marinade! In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. Add the chicken chunks to the bowl and ensure they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!) in the fridge. This step is key as it infuses the chicken with all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Prep the Skewers

While your chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare your skewers! After soaking your wooden skewers for about 30 minutes—this helps prevent them from burning on the grill—thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer. Alternate with chunks of red onion and bell peppers for added color and taste. This not only makes your dish visually appealing but also ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are slightly charred and cooked through. The goal here is to achieve that beautiful grilled texture while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Once cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them warm alongside warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping! A fresh salad or some roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes too. Enjoy every bite of this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe—it’s sure to become one of your new favorites!

Pro Tips for Making Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Making chicken souvlaki is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect flavor and texture!

• Marinate the chicken longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) enhances the flavors deeply, making each bite truly delicious.

• Use fresh herbs: If possible, opt for fresh oregano and thyme instead of dried. Fresh herbs pack a punch of flavor that can elevate your dish significantly.

• Soak skewers properly: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill. This simple step ensures that your souvlaki stays intact and juicy!

• Preheat your grill: A well-preheated grill creates those beautiful char marks and sears the meat quickly. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist.

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leaving some space between pieces allows for even cooking and ensures that each piece gets that lovely grilled texture.

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is just as important as making it! Present it in a way that’s both appealing and inviting to share with friends and family.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the souvlaki for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side to give everyone an option for an extra zesty kick.
• Chopped tomatoes or cucumbers: These add a refreshing crunch that complements the savory flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A classic combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta (optional), dressed with olive oil and oregano. It’s refreshing and balances well with the richness of the souvlaki.

• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt dip made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill is a must-have alongside your souvlaki. Its coolness complements the grilled chicken perfectly.

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds a colorful array to your meal. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant – they’re deliciously sweet when grilled!

• Pita Bread: Serve warm pita on the side for wrapping up those tasty chunks of chicken. It’s perfect for scooping up tzatziki sauce too!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful gathering around this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious grilled chicken ready for your weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
• If you have leftover tzatziki sauce, keep it in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with the date and use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat chicken souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it for quick reheating, but be cautious not to overcook it as this may dry it out.
• Serve with fresh pita and tzatziki for the best experience!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out.

Can I use other proteins for this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides pair well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even some fluffy rice. Don’t forget the warm pita and tzatziki sauce!

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; however, if you have more time, letting it marinate overnight will enhance the flavors even more!

Can I grill these skewers indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just ensure to preheat it well before adding your skewers.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free pita or enjoy it on its own!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe as much as I do! It’s a delightful way to bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen. The tender meat paired with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki is sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!