Chicken Souvlaki

Juicy and flavorful, Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful Greek dish that brings the taste of summer to your table any time of year. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. The combination of garlic, yogurt, and lemon creates a unique flavor profile that sets this dish apart from the rest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Get your meal ready in just 50 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: Serve Chicken Souvlaki as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a mezze platter.
• Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty and rich flavors that everyone will enjoy.
• Grill-Friendly: Ideal for outdoor grilling or indoor cooking on a grill pan—perfect for any season!
• Healthy Option: High in protein and low in carbs, making it a nutritious choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Chicken Souvlaki requires some essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bamboo skewers
• Grill (outdoor or indoor)
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Marinade brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: Essential for threading chicken pieces; soaking prevents burning on the grill.
• Grill: Provides high heat needed for proper charring and flavor development.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining marinade ingredients thoroughly before marinating the chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken Souvlaki – juicy and moist grilled Greek chicken souvlaki recipe made with garlic, yogurt, lemon and olive oil. The best chicken on a stick ever!

For the Chicken

• 12 oz (350g) skinless and boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

For the Marinade

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Pompeian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 dashes ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Dipping

• Ranch dressing

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Soak Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour to prevent them from burning while grilling.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into 16 equal-sized cubes.
2. Pat them dry using paper towels.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients including olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, black pepper, minced garlic, and salt.
4. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

1. Thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer.
2. Repeat until you have four skewers ready.

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Fire up your outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high heat.
1. Grill the chicken skewers until cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
2. Brush with olive oil while grilling for added flavor.
3. Serve hot with ranch dressing as a delicious dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Chicken Souvlaki is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad – Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing side.
• Tzatziki Sauce – A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and garlic pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.

In Pita Bread

• Pita Wraps – Place chicken souvlaki in warm pita bread with veggies and sauces for a tasty wrap.
• Add Hummus – Spread hummus inside the pita for an extra layer of flavor.

As an Appetizer

• Skewers as Finger Food – Serve individual skewers with dipping sauces for easy eating at parties.
• Garnish with Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish and adds zest.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice infused with lime complements the spices of the souvlaki.
• Herbed Quinoa – Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs can be a nutritious base for serving.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting Chicken Souvlaki is key to achieving that juicy and flavorful result. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Marinate Longer – Letting the chicken marinate for longer than 30 minutes can enhance flavor absorption.
• Use High Heat – Grilling at high heat ensures a nice char while keeping the chicken moist inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers – Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers for even cooking.
• Rest Before Serving – Allowing the skewers to rest after grilling helps retain juices, making them tenderer.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Souvlaki can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this Greek delight.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs add color and nutrients.
2. Fried Potatoes – Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs bring comfort to your meal.
3. Tabbouleh Salad – A fresh parsley salad with bulgur wheat provides a refreshing contrast to the chicken.
4. Grilled Eggplant – Smoky eggplant slices add depth and pair well with the flavors of souvlaki.
5. Mediterranean Couscous – Light couscous mixed with olives, tomatoes, and feta offers a delightful texture.
6. Chickpea Salad – Protein-packed chickpeas tossed with lemon and herbs make a filling side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to dry and flavorless skewers. Always allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Using wooden skewers without soaking: If you don’t soak bamboo skewers, they can catch fire on the grill. Make sure to soak them in cold water for at least one hour before threading your chicken.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken onto each skewer prevents even cooking. Stick to threading four pieces of chicken per skewer for the best results.
• Neglecting to preheat the grill: Grilling on a cold surface can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill for optimal grilling conditions.
• Not brushing with olive oil while grilling: Skipping this step can result in dry chicken. Brush your chicken with olive oil during grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

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

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chicken Souvlaki more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinade. Marinating longer also helps develop robust flavors.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! While Chicken Souvlaki is popular, you can use pork, beef, or lamb as alternatives. Adjust cooking times based on meat type.

What do I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki pairs well with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad. These add great texture and flavor balance.

Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?

Absolutely! You can bake Chicken Souvlaki in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers juicy and flavorful grilled chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various marinades or side dishes according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious taste of Greece right at home!

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Chicken Souvlaki

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Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant and mouthwatering Greek dish that captures the essence of summer grilling all year round. This recipe features juicy, marinated chicken skewers infused with the zesty flavors of garlic, yogurt, and lemon, creating a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy dinner, Chicken Souvlaki is versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, in pita wraps, or alongside fresh salads. With its quick preparation time and healthy profile, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both family meals and entertaining guests.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Ground black pepper and salt to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least one hour to prevent burning.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade. Add chicken cubes and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes, brushing with olive oil for added flavor until fully cooked through.
5. Serve hot with ranch dressing or tzatziki sauce.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer (90g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Extend marinating time for deeper flavor absorption. Substitute chicken with pork or beef if desired. Serve with fresh salads or pita bread for a complete meal.