Are you craving a flavorful, juicy, and healthy dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean? Look no further than Chicken Souvlaki Recipe! This delicious Greek dish features marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection and served with fresh accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a crowd-pleasing meal for your next BBQ, or a light yet filling dish,Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Chicken Souvlaki, from its origins and health benefits to a step-by-step guide to preparing this tasty dish. Let’s dive in!
What is Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a popular Greek dish consisting of marinated chicken, skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, typically served with pita bread, tzatziki (a cool, creamy yogurt-based sauce), and fresh vegetables. The marinade for chicken souvlaki usually includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, and rosemary, giving it a fresh and zesty flavor.
Souvlaki can be made with chicken, pork, lamb, or beef, but chicken souvlaki is especially popular for its light, lean protein and versatility in different dishes.
The Origin of Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Souvlaki, meaning “little skewer” in Greek, has been a staple of Greek cuisine for centuries. It is said to have originated in ancient Greece, where skewered meat was cooked over open flames as a quick and flavorful meal. The modern version of souvlaki, as we know it today, was popularized in the 1950s, particularly in urban centers like Athens.
Traditionally, souvlaki was served as a street food in pita wraps, making it a favorite fast food option for locals and tourists alike. Over time, it has become a beloved dish worldwide, and different variations of souvlaki are enjoyed in countries across the globe.
Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
To make authentic Chicken Souvlaki Recipe at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cucumber (peeled, grated, and excess water squeezed out)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables (such as lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers)
Equipment Needed
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Grill or grill pan (alternatively, you can use a broiler)
- Large mixing bowl for the marinade
- A whisk or spoon to combine the marinade
- Grater or food processor for the cucumber (for the tzatziki)
- Knife and cutting board for the chicken and vegetables
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using red wine vinegar, add it to the mixture as well.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably, 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. You can also marinate the chicken overnight if you’re planning ahead.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber: Peel and grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. After grating, squeeze out any excess water from the cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
- Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix and chill: Stir the ingredients together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Tzatziki is best when it’s served cold.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
- Skewer the chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced. You can alternate with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Assemble the dish: Serve the grilledChicken Souvlaki Recipe on a platter with pita bread, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.
Health Benefits of Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Chicken souvlaki is a healthy meal option that offers several health benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a key ingredient in the marinade and provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation.
- Packed with Vegetables: By serving the chicken souvlaki with fresh vegetables and a side of tzatziki sauce (which contains Greek yogurt and cucumbers), you increase your intake of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.
- Lower in Calories: When compared to fried foods, grilled chicken souvlaki is a much lower-calorie option, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Additional Information
- Marinating: Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicy and succulent when grilled.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute the chicken with cubes of tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, all of which pair wonderfully with the souvlaki marinade.
- Serving Variations: You can serve the chicken souvlaki in a variety of ways—wrapped in pita, on a salad, or with rice. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to many different tastes and dietary preferences.
Best Way to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is typically served in pita wraps with tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and sometimes a sprinkle of feta cheese. Here are a few great serving ideas:
- Classic Pita Wrap: Stuff a warm pita with grilled chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers for a light and satisfying wrap.
- Greek Salad: Serve the souvlaki with a traditional Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta cheese. This side perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling option, serve the chicken souvlaki with a side of rice or quinoa, drizzling extra tzatziki sauce over the top.
- Grilled Veggies: You can also serve the souvlaki with a side of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Calories, Prep Time, and Cook Time
- Calories: A serving of Chicken Souvlaki (with one skewer of chicken and tzatziki) is approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the toppings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes for marination (plus additional chilling time for tzatziki)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes for grilling the chicken
Conclusion
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the best of Greek cuisine to your plate. With its simple ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy profile, it’s a meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether served as a wrap, on a salad, or with a side of grilled veggies, Chicken Souvlaki is versatile, easy to make, and sure to impress. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Greece to your home!
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Souvlaki Recipe without skewers? Yes! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill or in a grill pan.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven? Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and they still absorb the marinade beautifully.
4. How long can I store leftovers? Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.