Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish brings together marinated chicken and colorful vegetables, grilled to perfection. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it with warm pita and creamy tzatziki for a feast that will delight your friends and family.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Marinade
• For the Veggies
• For Serving
• For Garnish
• How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 3: Preheat the Grill
• Step 4: Assemble Skewers
• Step 5: Grill Souvlaki
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• With Warm Pita Bread
• Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce
• As Part of a Mediterranean Platter
• How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
• How do I make a vegetarian version of souvlaki?
• How long should I marinate my chicken for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• What sides pair well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade blends olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a mouthwatering taste.
• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
• Grill-Friendly: Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this dish is ideal for grilling enthusiasts.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: A nutritious choice packed with protein and fresh ingredients that everyone will enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki, gather the necessary tools. Having these items ready makes the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: These are essential for threading your chicken and veggies together to create perfect souvlaki.
• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds that delicious charred flavor to your chicken.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining your marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding the chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Veggies

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

For Serving

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare the skewers.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Alternate between chicken pieces and chunks of red onion and bell peppers.

Step 5: Grill Souvlaki

Place skewers on the grill. Grill for about 8–10 minutes. Turn occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F) and vegetables are tender with nice grill marks.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is an opportunity to create a vibrant, Mediterranean dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish that will impress your family and friends.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Pita Wraps: Fill warm pita bread with grilled chicken, veggies, and tzatziki for a quick and tasty meal.
• Pita Chips: Serve crispy pita chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Classic Dip: Use tzatziki as a refreshing dip for the grilled skewers, enhancing the flavors of the chicken.
• Spread on Pitas: Spread tzatziki generously on pita bread before adding chicken and veggies for extra creaminess.

As Part of a Mediterranean Platter

• Meze Style: Arrange chicken souvlaki on a platter with olives, feta cheese, and stuffed grape leaves for a festive presentation.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or mint for added freshness and color.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is flavorful and tender.

• Marinate Long Enough: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour; overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality olive oil and herbs to enhance the taste of your marinade.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. This helps achieve that perfect char.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between pieces of chicken and vegetables on the skewers. This allows even cooking.
• Turn Frequently: Rotate the skewers every few minutes while grilling to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing sides with authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can elevate your meal. Consider these delicious options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Greek Salad: A fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with lemon and oregano; these crispy potatoes add heartiness to your meal.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs; it’s a wonderful base that soaks up juices from the chicken.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and eggplant grilled alongside souvlaki for extra flavor.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory bites filled with rice and herbs add an authentic touch to your meal.
6. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing blend of chickpeas, herbs, and lemon juice offers protein-rich goodness alongside the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating chicken for souvlaki can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken leads to bland flavors. Always allow time for the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least an hour.
• Using high heat right away: Starting on high heat without preheating can cause uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high before adding the skewers.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too many pieces can prevent proper cooking. Leave some space between the chicken and veggies for even grilling.
• Forgetting to soak wooden skewers: Using dry skewers can result in burning. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from catching fire.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time may lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen souvlaki is best consumed within 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place souvlaki on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat souvlaki on a microwave-safe plate. Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is marinated grilled chicken skewers, often served with vegetables and pita bread, accompanied by tzatziki sauce.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, lamb, or beef. Adjust marinating times accordingly based on the meat used.

How do I make a vegetarian version of souvlaki?

To create a vegetarian souvlaki, use firm tofu or chunky vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms as substitutes for chicken.

How long should I marinate my chicken for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken for at least one hour or overnight if possible.

What sides pair well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Fresh salads, rice pilaf, or warm pita bread are excellent side options that complement this flavorful dish.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki brings a taste of Greece right to your table. This recipe is not only easy but also allows for plenty of customization—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste. Try it today and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal!

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