Craving a taste of Greece? This Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is your ticket to a flavorful dinner that’s both simple and satisfying. With tender chicken marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, these skewers bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend barbeque, this dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or warm pita bread. Let’s get cooking and transport your taste buds to the shores of Greece!
Steps
- Blend garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice in a food processor to create the marinade, keeping bay leaves aside for now.
- Place chicken in a bowl with bay leaves and mix thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. For a quick option, marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes. Prepare the Tzatziki sauce and any sides, such as Greek salad or roasted garlic hummus, ahead of time.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers when ready to cook.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or griddle, brushing the grates lightly with oil. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-high heat until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, turning them evenly for about 5 minutes.
- Let the cooked chicken rest on a platter for 3 minutes while briefly grilling the pitas to keep them warm.
- Assemble the chicken souvlaki by spreading Tzatziki sauce on pita, adding chicken pieces, and topping with vegetables and olives.
- Optionally, serve with additional sides like Greek salad, watermelon salad, or roasted garlic hummus for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Bay leaves, for marinating (do not eat)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30-45 minutes
- Greek pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
- Kalamata olives
FAQ
- What exactly is Greek Souvlaki?
- Greek Souvlaki refers to “meat on skewers” similar to Kabobs. In Greece, it often describes a full meal with grilled marinated meat in warm pita, topped with Tzatziki sauce, and sometimes includes other toppings like vegetables and fries.
- What makes this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe effective?
- This recipe is successful due to its simple and flavorful Greek souvlaki marinade, high-quality chicken, and the right pita accompaniments. The marinade balances garlic, oregano, rosemary, sweet paprika, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine.
- Can I marinate the chicken for a shorter time?
- Yes, if you’re pressed for time, you can marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes at room temperature, although longer marination will enhance the flavor.
- What should I serve with Greek Souvlaki?
- Consider pairing it with Greek salad, orzo salad, Balela, Fattoush, Grilled Zucchini Salad, or Watermelon Salad. A Mezze platter or Roasted Garlic Hummus also makes great additions. Finish your meal with a dessert like Baklava.
- How should I store leftover grilled Souvlaki?
- Leftover Souvlaki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken is removed from the skewers and placed in a tightly-sealed container before refrigerating.
Tips
- For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the souvlaki marinade for a few hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will infuse plenty of flavor.
- Remember to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 to 45 minutes before threading the chicken. This will prevent them from burning during grilling.
- While grilling, brush the chicken skewers lightly with marinade for extra flavor, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade after cooking to avoid contamination.
- To enhance your souvlaki experience, grill the pita bread briefly before serving. This will add a nice warmth and texture to your assembled souvlaki wraps.
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the chicken skewers.
- Instant Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Food Processor: To prepare the marinade by pulsing the ingredients together.
- Wooden Skewers: Essential for threading the marinated chicken.
