Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual gatherings, this dish brings together juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of spices and herbs. The colorful veggies add a delightful crunch, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

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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 Souvlaki
• For the Vegetables
• 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 the Skewers
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• With Warm Pita Bread
• Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce
• On a Fresh Salad
• As a Platter
• In a Bowl
• 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?
• How can I customize my authentic Greek chicken souvlaki?
• Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
• How do I make tzatziki sauce for my authentic Greek chicken souvlaki?
• Can I prepare authentic Greek chicken souvlaki ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with bright and bold flavors that make every bite memorable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with warm pita, as a salad topping, or in wraps for different meal experiences.
• Healthy Meal Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this souvlaki is a nutritious option for any day of the week.
• Fun for Gatherings: Grilling skewers is a great activity for outdoor gatherings or family cookouts.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides high heat for grilling chicken and veggies evenly while adding that smoky flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients when preparing your marinade.
• Wooden skewers: These are essential for threading the chicken and veggies, ensuring they grill perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki

• 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 Vegetables

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

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 or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready when you’re done marinating.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Alternate pieces of chicken with chunks of red onion and bell peppers for added color and flavor.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and vegetables are tender with slight char marks.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill and serve immediately with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy your authentic Greek chicken souvlaki!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving authentic Greek chicken souvlaki can transform your meal into a delightful Mediterranean experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Serve the chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread for a traditional taste. You can add fresh vegetables for crunch.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Pair the skewers with creamy tzatziki sauce. The coolness of the yogurt and cucumber balances the spices of the chicken beautifully.

On a Fresh Salad

• Create a vibrant salad by placing the grilled souvlaki on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

As a Platter

• Arrange the chicken souvlaki on a large platter, surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and olives for an eye-catching presentation at gatherings.

In a Bowl

• For a quick lunch or dinner, serve the souvlaki in a bowl with rice or quinoa, topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

To achieve perfect authentic Greek chicken souvlaki, follow these helpful tips for flavor and tenderness.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances its flavor significantly.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking to achieve those beautiful grill marks and proper char.
• Use Soaked Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between pieces on the skewers for even cooking.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Authentic Greek chicken souvlaki pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Greek Salad: A classic mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that complements the dish.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant grilled until tender add color and nutrition.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with lemon zest pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
5. Hummus: Creamy hummus served with pita chips offers a delightful dip option that goes well with souvlaki.
6. Feta Cheese Dip: A tangy feta dip served cold adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These flavorful rolls serve as an excellent addition to your spread, bringing in more Mediterranean vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making authentic Greek chicken souvlaki, there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken is marinated long enough. Marinating for at least an hour enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Skipping the soaking: Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill during cooking.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Avoid packing too much on each skewer. This allows for even grilling and helps achieve that perfect char.
• Not preheating the grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets those desirable grill marks.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cut veggies into uniform pieces. This ensures that both chicken and vegetables cook at the same rate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
• item It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• item Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• item You can freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm, checking frequently.
• item Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is authentic Greek chicken souvlaki?

Authentic Greek chicken souvlaki consists of marinated chicken grilled on skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

How can I customize my authentic Greek chicken souvlaki?

You can customize your souvlaki by adding different vegetables or using a variety of marinades to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

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

How do I make tzatziki sauce for my authentic Greek chicken souvlaki?

To make tzatziki, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving for best flavor.

Can I prepare authentic Greek chicken souvlaki ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Greek chicken souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust the marinade ingredients or add different vegetables according to your preference. This dish brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try!