Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. This juicy and moist grilled chicken recipe, featuring garlic, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil, is perfect for various occasions, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. The standout quality of Chicken Souvlaki lies in its flavorful marinade and quick cooking time, making it an easy yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, yogurt, and lemon creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve Chicken Souvlaki with ranch dressing or alongside fresh salads for a complete meal. It’s also great as an appetizer at parties!
• Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken breast and nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt and olive oil, this dish is both delicious and wholesome.
• Grill Indoors or Outdoors: Whether you have an outdoor grill or prefer indoor cooking, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your setup.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: These are essential for holding the marinated chicken pieces together while grilling. Soaking them in water prevents burning.
• Grill: A grill gives the Chicken Souvlaki its signature smoky flavor. You can use either an outdoor grill for that authentic taste or an indoor grill pan for convenience.

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)

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 (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Dipping

• ranch dressing

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Soak Skewers

Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour. This prevents them from catching fire during grilling.

Step 2: Prepare Marinade

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

Step 3: Assemble Skewers

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

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Fire up your outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers until cooked through—about 10 minutes. While grilling, brush the chicken with additional olive oil for enhanced moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving chicken souvlaki can elevate your meal experience, making it more delicious and enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish.

With Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad – Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing complement.
• Tzatziki Sauce – Serve with a side of tzatziki for a cool and creamy dip that pairs perfectly.

In Pita Bread

• Wrap It Up – Use warm pita bread to wrap the chicken souvlaki along with lettuce, tomato, and onion for a handheld meal.
• Souvlaki Sandwich – Add some feta cheese and spicy sauce to create a flavorful sandwich.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Lemon Rice – Cook rice with lemon zest and parsley for an aromatic side that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Herbed Quinoa – Serve the souvlaki over quinoa mixed with herbs for a nutritious option.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

To achieve the best chicken souvlaki, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your chicken is juicy and full of flavor.

• Marinate Properly – Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer marination enhances flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh garlic and lemon juice to elevate the taste of your marinade.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers – Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewer for even cooking and better grill marks.
• Preheat Your Grill – Ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it; this prevents sticking and promotes perfect searing.
• Monitor Cooking Time – Grill until just cooked through; overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Brush with Olive Oil – Basting with olive oil while grilling adds moisture and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with chicken souvlaki can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender makes a colorful addition.
2. Fried Potatoes – Crispy fried potatoes seasoned with herbs add a hearty touch to your plate.
3. Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad with olive oil, herbs, and veggies complements the grilled chicken nicely.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a sweet contrast to savory souvlaki.
5. Hummus Platter – A variety of hummus flavors served with pita chips provides a tasty dipping option.
6. Tabbouleh Salad – This fresh salad made from parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat brings brightness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Souvlaki can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using dry chicken: Always choose skinless and boneless chicken breasts for juiciness. Marinating helps retain moisture, so don’t skip that step.

• Not soaking skewers: Wooden skewers can burn on the grill if not soaked in water beforehand. Soaking them for at least one hour prevents this issue.

• Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces of chicken on a skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to 4 pieces per skewer for the best results.

• Grilling at the wrong temperature: Cooking chicken at too high or too low a temperature can result in dry meat or undercooked centers. Medium-high heat is ideal for grilling Chicken Souvlaki.

• Skipping the seasoning: A good marinade with garlic, lemon, and olive oil enhances flavor. Don’t overlook marinating time; 30 minutes is optimal for great taste.

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

• Place cooled Chicken Souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make authentic Chicken Souvlaki?

To make authentic Chicken Souvlaki, use fresh ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, and high-quality olive oil. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken for Souvlaki?

Yes! While Chicken Souvlaki is popular, you can substitute with pork, lamb, or beef. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat chosen.

What goes well with Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki pairs well with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the flavors beautifully.

How long should I marinate Chicken Souvlaki?

Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours. This allows flavors to penetrate without drying out the meat.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with various marinades or serve it alongside your favorite sides. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a taste of Greece right at home!