Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece right to your kitchen. This juicy grilled chicken skewers recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy dinner at home. With its tender chicken marinated in garlic, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil, Chicken Souvlaki stands out with its irresistible flavor and versatility. Serve it with ranch dressing for a delicious dipping experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Chicken Souvlaki recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
- Flavor Explosion: Marinated with garlic, lemon, and yogurt, these skewers are packed with taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these skewers on their own, in wraps, or over salads for a perfect meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, summer barbecues, or casual parties.
- Healthier Choice: Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish fits well into various dietary plans.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken Souvlaki effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. These will help ensure that your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill (indoor or outdoor)
- Mixing bowl
- Marinade brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces; they ensure even cooking.
- Grill: Provides the perfect heat needed for grilling chicken to achieve that charred flavor.
- Mixing Bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly with all the ingredients.
- Marinade Brush: Helps apply olive oil during grilling for extra moisture and flavor.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Dipping
- Ranch dressing (for dipping)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour. This prevents them from burning while grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Cut the chicken into 16 equal-sized cubes. Pat them dry and combine them with the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer. Repeat this process until you have four skewers ready.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your indoor or outdoor grill. Grill the chicken skewers until they are cooked through. While grilling, use a marinade brush to apply olive oil on the chicken to keep it moist.
Step 5: Serve
Once grilled to perfection, serve hot alongside ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Souvlaki!
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken souvlaki is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your Chicken Souvlaki experience.
With Fresh Greek Salad
- A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil complements the savory flavors of chicken souvlaki perfectly.
Inside Pita Bread
- Wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies for a delicious handheld meal.
On Skewers with Dips
- Serve the skewers alongside ranch dressing or tzatziki for dipping. This adds an interactive element to your meal.
Over Rice or Couscous
- Serve chicken souvlaki over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous for a hearty meal that soaks up all the flavors.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Pair your souvlaki with seasonal grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added color and nutrition.
As Part of a Mezze Platter
- Include small portions of various dips, olives, and bread to create a vibrant mezze platter that encourages sharing.
How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki
To achieve the best results with your chicken souvlaki, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Use skinless and boneless chicken breasts for juicy pieces that cook evenly.
- Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This infuses it with flavor and tenderness.
- Pre-soak Skewers: Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your chicken intact.
- Grill at High Heat: Cooking over high heat ensures a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside moist.
- Baste While Grilling: Brush olive oil on your chicken as it cooks. This keeps it moist and enhances flavor.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling makes it juicier when you cut into it.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki
Pairing side dishes with your chicken souvlaki can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cool yogurt-based dip made with cucumber and garlic, perfect for balancing the flavors of grilled chicken.
- Greek Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes tossed in lemon juice and herbs make a zesty addition to any plate.
- Hummus: This chickpea dip is not only nutritious but also pairs well with pita bread alongside your souvlaki.
- Feta Cheese Salad: A simple salad topped with crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang to your meal.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing parsley salad mixed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice complements the grilled flavors beautifully.
- Olive Tapenade: This spread made from olives is rich in flavor and can be served on toasted bread or as part of a mezze platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Souvlaki, it’s easy to overlook simple details that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Not marinating long enough: Skipping the marinade or rushing it will lead to bland chicken. Ensure you let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Using wooden skewers without soaking: If you forget to soak bamboo skewers, they can burn on the grill. Always soak them in cold water for an hour before use.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces of chicken on a skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to 4 pieces per skewer for optimal heat distribution.
- Skipping oil while grilling: Not brushing olive oil on your chicken can lead to dryness. Remember to brush the chicken with olive oil while grilling for a moist result.
- Cutting chicken into uneven pieces: Unevenly sized cubes will cook at different rates, resulting in some being overcooked and others undercooked. Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Chicken Souvlaki
- Place cooked Chicken Souvlaki in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Chicken Souvlaki
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the skewers with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and warm the skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Chicken Souvlaki more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, try adding more herbs like oregano or thyme to your marinade. This will give your Chicken Souvlaki an extra layer of taste.
Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
Yes! While this recipe is for Chicken Souvlaki, you can substitute with pork, beef, or lamb following similar marination techniques.
What should I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
Pairing Chicken Souvlaki with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, salad, or grilled vegetables creates a delicious meal that complements its flavors well.
Can I bake Chicken Souvlaki instead of grilling?
Absolutely! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Souvlaki is not only juicy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or sides according to your taste. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful Greek dish!
Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki is a mouthwatering Greek dish that features tender grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Perfect for any meal occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, summer barbecue, or casual get-together—this recipe delivers both simplicity and flavor. The juicy skewers can be served on their own or paired with dips like ranch dressing and tzatziki for an interactive dining experience. Enjoy the authentic taste of Greece right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
- 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 dashes ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ranch dressing (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken into even cubes, pat dry, and combine with marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer.
- Preheat the grill and cook the skewers until fully cooked, basting with olive oil while grilling.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg