Chicken Souvlaki

Juicy and flavorful, Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful Greek dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or even meal prep, this grilled chicken on a stick is marinated in a mixture of garlic, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up chicken souvlaki in no time.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of garlic, yogurt, and lemon infuses the chicken with delicious flavors that everyone will love.
• Grill or Oven Ready: This recipe works perfectly on either an outdoor grill or in the oven, making it adaptable to your cooking setup.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish is great for anyone watching their nutrition.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Chicken souvlaki keeps well and can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or as a snack the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your chicken souvlaki, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill (outdoor or indoor)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces and ensuring even cooking on the grill.
• Grill: Provides that authentic smoky flavor that elevates your chicken souvlaki.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining marinade ingredients effectively.

Ingredients

Chicken Souvlaki is made with fresh ingredients that contribute to its wonderful taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 12 oz (350g) skinless and boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 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 Grilling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

For Serving

• Ranch dressing (for dipping)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Cut the chicken into 16 equal-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, black pepper, minced garlic, and salt to create your marinade. Add the chicken cubes and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer. Repeat this process until you have four skewers ready for grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki

Fire up your outdoor or indoor grill. Once hot, place the skewers on it. Grill until cooked through, brushing with olive oil while grilling for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve Enjoy!

Once grilled to perfection, remove from heat. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Now you’re ready to enjoy amazing homemade Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful experience, as this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Its juicy and flavorful pieces of grilled chicken make it a perfect option for gatherings or casual meals.

On Skewers

• Serve the chicken directly on skewers for a fun presentation. This is great for outdoor barbecues or parties.

With Pita Bread

• Pair the chicken with warm pita bread. The soft texture complements the grilled chicken beautifully.

Topped with Tzatziki Sauce

• Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the chicken for an authentic Greek flavor. This refreshing sauce adds creaminess and balances the spices.

As a Salad

• Create a Chicken Souvlaki salad by adding grilled chicken over fresh greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Top with feta cheese and olives for extra flavor.

In Wraps

• Wrap the grilled chicken in a tortilla or flatbread along with your favorite veggies and sauces. This makes for a quick and tasty meal on-the-go.

With Rice Pilaf

• Serve Chicken Souvlaki alongside fluffy rice pilaf. The mild flavors of rice complement the seasoned chicken perfectly.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

Achieving perfect Chicken Souvlaki requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking methods.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your souvlaki.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. A hot grill gives that ideal sear and caramelization.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Space the chicken pieces out on skewers. This allows even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Brush with Olive Oil: While grilling, brush the chicken with olive oil to keep it moist and add flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dry by using a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C).

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Souvlaki enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent sides that complement this Greek classic.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with herbs creates a perfect base for the flavorful chicken.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Hummus: Creamy hummus served with pita chips makes a great appetizer or side dish.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a hearty complement to grilled chicken.
6. Tabbouleh: A bright parsley salad with bulgur wheat that adds freshness to balance the rich flavors of souvlaki.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter elevates your BBQ experience alongside Chicken Souvlaki.
8. Feta Dip: A creamy dip made from feta cheese that pairs well as a starter with crackers or veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the marinade time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes can lead to less flavorful meat. Make sure to give it enough time to soak in all the flavors.
• Using low-quality oil: Using cheap or non-virgin olive oil can impact the taste of your Chicken Souvlaki. Always opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces of chicken on each skewer can prevent even cooking. Stick to four pieces per skewer for better grilling.
• Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak bamboo skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Always soak them in cold water for at least an hour before use.
• Underestimating grill heat: Not preheating your grill properly may result in unevenly cooked chicken. Ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking frequently, until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Souvlaki that might help you perfect your recipe:

Can I use different meats for Chicken Souvlaki?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, lamb, or beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

What sides pair well with Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki goes great with Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or pita bread. These sides enhance its flavors wonderfully.

How do I make Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?

To make Chicken Souvlaki in the oven, simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place marinated chicken cubes on a baking sheet, and roast them for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this Chicken Souvlaki recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats while being low in carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or serving it with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!