Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious and versatile dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. This juicy and moist grilled chicken souvlaki recipe features the delightful flavors of garlic, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, Chicken Souvlaki stands out as a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: The marinating time is just 30 minutes, making this an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of garlic, yogurt, and lemon creates a mouthwatering flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
• Grill or Oven: Whether you have access to an outdoor grill or prefer cooking indoors, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is adaptable to your cooking style.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish fits well into various diets without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serve these skewers at parties or family gatherings; they’re great for sharing and can be customized with various dips.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Souvlaki successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These will help ensure that your preparation goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (bamboo or metal)
• Grill (outdoor or indoor)
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together while they cook evenly on the grill.
• Grill: Provides the best flavor through grilling; it gives the chicken that nice charred texture.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the marinade ingredients effectively before soaking the chicken.
• Knife & Cutting board: Important for safely cutting the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

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)
• ranch dressing (for dipping)

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

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Soak Skewers

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

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Cut the chicken into 16 equal-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels. Marinate the chicken with all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

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

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Fire up your outdoor or indoor grill. Grill the chicken skewers until fully cooked through. As they cook, brush them with olive oil for added flavor and moisture. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Chicken Souvlaki can be as versatile as your taste buds desire. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this juicy Greek dish.

With Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese pairs perfectly with the grilled flavors.
• Tzatziki Salad: Creamy tzatziki adds a cool contrast to the warm chicken.

In Pita Bread

• Pita Wraps: Stuff your Chicken Souvlaki in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki for a quick meal.
• Open-Faced Pita: Layer sliced chicken on toasted pita and top with fresh herbs and yogurt sauce.

Alongside Dips

• Hummus: The creamy texture of hummus complements the spices in Chicken Souvlaki beautifully.
• Ranch Dressing: A classic dip that adds a tangy flavor to your grilled chicken.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

Creating the perfect Chicken Souvlaki requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Skewers Wisely: Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning while grilling.
• Grill at High Heat: A hot grill ensures a nice char on the chicken, adding depth to the flavor.
• Baste While Cooking: Brushing the chicken with olive oil during grilling keeps it moist and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Souvlaki can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with herbs makes a comforting side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add great texture and flavor.
3. Cucumber Yogurt Salad: A refreshing salad that complements the spices of the chicken.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy and seasoned potato wedges make for a hearty accompaniment.
5. Quinoa Tabbouleh: A light salad full of fresh herbs that balances the savory chicken.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter enhances the grilled flavors of Chicken Souvlaki.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Souvlaki can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch for to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always let your chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.

• Using Too Much Heat: Grilling at high temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use medium heat for even cooking.

• Not Soaking Skewers: If you forget to soak bamboo skewers, they may catch fire on the grill. Soak them in cold water for at least an hour before using.

• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many skewers on the grill can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches to ensure that each skewer gets enough heat.

• Forgetting to Baste: Failing to baste your chicken with olive oil while grilling can result in dry meat. Brush it regularly for juicy, flavorful pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Chicken Souvlaki will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Souvlaki that can help you get the most out of this delicious recipe.

What is Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made of marinated chicken skewered and grilled until juicy and tender.

Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes! While chicken is common, you can also use pork, beef, or lamb. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I make Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?

You can use an oven or stovetop grill pan. Just follow similar cooking times and temperatures as grilling.

What should I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve it with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different marinades or serve it with various sides. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!