Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that can transport you straight to a sun-soaked Greek island, you’ve come to the right place! This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. The marinated chicken, grilled to juicy perfection, is a hit with everyone. Plus, it pairs beautifully with warm pita bread and a refreshing tzatziki sauce that adds just the right touch.

What makes this recipe so special is not just the incredible flavor but also how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a master chef to create something that feels special. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this great dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves skewers! They make eating fun and are great for kids.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken in advance for a flavorful meal without the last-minute rush.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of herbs and lemon juice makes each bite burst with freshness.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delightful dish. Most of them are kitchen staples, and I bet you already have many on hand!

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
• Add more veggies: Zucchini or cherry tomatoes make wonderful additions to your skewers.
• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some smoked paprika or cumin for extra depth of flavor.
• Serve differently: Instead of pita bread, serve with rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well in the marinade. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with delicious flavors while keeping it juicy during grilling. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; however, overnight is even better if you have time!

Step 2: Prepare Your Skewers

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble your skewers! Take your soaked wooden skewers and alternate threading pieces of marinated chicken with chunks of red onion and bell peppers. Not only do these veggies add color to your dish, but they also bring sweetness when grilled.

Step 3: Grill It Up

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Grilling brings out those beautiful flavors from both the chicken and vegetables while giving everything that smoky goodness we love.

Step 4: Serve with Tzatziki Sauce

While your souvlaki is grilling, whip up a quick tzatziki sauce by combining yogurt (plant-based if desired), cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill (or mint), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Serve this alongside your souvlaki for dipping! The cool tzatziki perfectly balances out the warmth from the grilled chicken.

Now that you know how easy it is to make this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe at home, get ready to impress your family or enjoy it all by yourself! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Creating the perfect chicken souvlaki is easier than you might think, especially with these helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavors of your marinade, making your souvlaki vibrant and aromatic.
• Marinate for longer: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour or even overnight. This ensures that the meat absorbs all those delicious flavors.
• Pre-soak your skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill, allowing your chicken and veggies to cook perfectly without any charred wood flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leaving a little space between pieces allows for even cooking and better charring, which adds to that delightful smoky flavor.
• Use high heat: Cooking on high heat will give you those beautiful grill marks while sealing in the juices of the chicken, resulting in tender and succulent bites.

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Serving your chicken souvlaki in a delightful way can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds a burst of color but also brings a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside your souvlaki allows everyone to squeeze fresh juice over their meal, enhancing the zesty flavors of the marinade.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) dressed with olive oil and oregano provides a great contrast in texture and flavor.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy cucumber yogurt dip (made with plant-based yogurt if needed) is essential for dipping! It cools down the spice from the chicken while adding a tangy taste.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs makes for a colorful and healthy side.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around the chicken and veggies or serving as a vessel for scooping up tzatziki sauce.

Enjoy this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe as part of a delightful meal that transports you straight to Greece!

Make Ahead and Storage

This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste fantastic fresh off the grill, but it also stores wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken souvlaki to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled chicken souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.
• For best results, consider freezing without the vegetables as they may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken souvlaki overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat using a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave; heat at medium power until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish:

What is an Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

An authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, giving the chicken its signature flavor.

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

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute it with beef or lamb. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure proper doneness.

How do I serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve your souvlaki with warm pita bread, fresh salads, and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. It makes a wonderful meal that everyone will love!

Can I make my own tzatziki sauce?

Yes! Making tzatziki sauce at home is easy. Simply mix yogurt with diced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dill. It’s a refreshing complement to your souvlaki.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe as much as I do! It’s not just about great flavors; it’s also about sharing moments around the table with loved ones. This dish brings a bit of Greece into your home and is sure to impress anyone who tries it. So fire up that grill and get ready for a delicious meal—happy cooking!