Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. Each bite bursts with flavor from marinated chicken and fresh vegetables, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

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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 Souvlaki Skewers
• 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 the Skewers
• Step 5: Grill the Skewers
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• With Warm Pita Bread
• Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce
• As Part of a Greek Salad
• On a 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?
• How long should I marinate the chicken?
• Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?
• What sides go well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• How do I make tzatziki sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful meal ready in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve it with pita bread, over rice, or in salads for various delicious meals.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Grill or Oven Friendly: Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe works perfectly in either setting.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Wooden skewers
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides high heat for perfect charring on the chicken and vegetables.
• Wooden skewers: Essential for threading the marinated ingredients together; soaking prevents burning on the grill.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping the chicken and vegetables precisely.

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 Souvlaki Skewers

• 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 or overnight if possible to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

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

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

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

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 8–10 minutes while turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and vegetables are tender with slight charring.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill 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 can elevate your meal experience. This dish shines when paired with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a delightful centerpiece for any occasion.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Classic Wrap: Use warm pita to wrap the chicken souvlaki with fresh veggies.
• Pita Chips: Serve crispy pita chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Creamy Dip: Tzatziki’s coolness complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
• Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle tzatziki over the skewers for added flavor.

As Part of a Greek Salad

• Fresh Greens: Pair with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives for a refreshing salad.
• Dressing: Add a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.

On a Platter

• Party Style: Serve skewers on a large platter with assorted dips and sides.
• Garnish: Decorate with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a colorful presentation.

How to Perfect Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

To make your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Marinade: Ensure you marinate the chicken long enough to absorb maximum flavor.
• High Heat Grilling: Grill over medium-high heat for that perfect char and juicy interior.
• Even Skewering: Alternate chicken pieces with veggies on skewers for balanced cooking.
• Resting Time: Let the chicken rest briefly after grilling to retain its juices.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and vegetables for vibrant taste and aroma.

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Best Side Dishes for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki can enhance the meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and spices; a great base for souvlaki.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender, adding color and nutrition.
4. Feta Cheese Dip: Creamy feta blended with herbs, perfect for dipping or spreading.
5. Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon juice and oregano for zesty goodness.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until soft; they complement the skewers well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken enough can lead to bland flavor. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Placing too many pieces on a skewer can prevent even cooking. Alternate chicken with veggies and leave space between items.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat the grill can result in unevenly cooked chicken. Always preheat for optimal grilling.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking the chicken can dry it out. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
• Using Dry Ingredients: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Opt for fresh over dried when possible for a vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

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

Reheating Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté until hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a traditional dish made from marinated chicken grilled on skewers, often served with pita and tzatziki.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight allows flavors to deepen beautifully.

Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute beef or pork, adjusting the marinade time as needed, but chicken is classic for this recipe.

What sides go well with Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve with warm pita bread, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that captures Mediterranean flavors.

How do I make tzatziki sauce?

Combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, diced cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill for a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors into your home. It’s versatile and perfect for summer grilling or cozy dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Try it today and enjoy a delicious taste of Greece!

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