Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Ah, the siren song of the grill! Imagine tender, marinated chicken, kissed by flames, nestled in warm pita bread with a tangy tzatziki sauce. This isn’t just food; it’s a mini-vacation to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, all without the jet lag.

Craving an escape from the mundane? This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is your passport to flavor paradise. Each bite delivers an explosion of Mediterranean sunshine, guaranteed to banish those weeknight blues and transport you to a taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea. Opa!

• Effortless to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families and solo foodies alike.
• A symphony of flavors, featuring juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lemon marinade that dances on your tongue.
• Visually stunning, with golden-brown chicken skewers that will impress your guests and elevate your dinner table.
• Incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with a variety of sides, from a classic Greek salad to grilled vegetables or rice pilaf.

Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they are lean and cook quickly. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even grilling.

Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the marinade, providing acidity and brightening the flavors. Avoid bottled juice if possible.

Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken stay moist during grilling. It also contributes to the authentic Greek flavor profile.

Garlic Minced garlic infuses the chicken with a pungent aroma and savory taste. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Dried Oregano A staple in Greek cuisine, dried oregano adds an earthy and slightly peppery note to the marinade.

Dried Thyme Thyme complements the oregano and garlic, adding another layer of herbaceous flavor.

Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the other flavors in the marinade. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.

Wooden Skewers Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers can also be used.

Pita Bread Warm pita bread is the perfect vessel for serving the souvlaki. Look for soft, pliable pita bread that can be easily folded.

Tzatziki Sauce This creamy yogurt-based sauce adds a cooling and tangy element to the souvlaki. You can buy pre-made tzatziki or make your own.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly on all sides.

Step 3: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread. You can do this by lightly grilling them for a few seconds on each side, or by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Remove the cooked chicken souvlaki from the grill. Place a few skewers inside each warm pita bread. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Add any additional toppings you desire, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or cucumbers.

Transfer to plates and serve immediately for the perfect taste of Greek sunshine.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the most amazing **Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe**, start by marinating the chicken. While it marinates, prep your veggies and tzatziki. Then, grill the chicken. Finally, warm the pita bread. This keeps things efficient and delicious!

Add Your Touch

Want to remix your **Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe**? Try different herbs in the marinade, like oregano or thyme. Bell peppers instead of tomatoes would add a sweeter note. Also, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra tang!

Storing & Reheating

To store your **Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe** components, refrigerate the chicken and veggies separately for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven. Assemble the souvlaki just before serving to keep the pita from getting soggy.

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your **Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe**:

• Marinate the chicken for at least two hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat for maximum deliciousness.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill! Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and a beautiful sear on every piece, resulting in perfection.
• Warm the pita bread slightly before assembling the souvlaki; this makes it more pliable and easier to wrap without tearing, for a perfect bite every time.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading (very important! don’t write any title for this paragraph))

I remember the first time I made this for my family. My little cousin, who’s a notoriously picky eater, devoured three souvlakis. His mom almost fainted.

Conclusion for Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe:

So, there you have it: a simple yet sensational Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe guaranteed to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece (at least in your mind!). From the tangy marinade to the perfectly charred chicken, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or stovetop!), and prepare for a culinary adventure that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. This is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of sunshine on a plate!

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FAQs:

What makes this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe truly authentic?

Okay, so maybe I haven’t personally wrestled a gyro for its secrets in a taverna in Mykonos. But, trust me, this recipe is inspired by years of obsessive research (aka, eating lots of souvlaki). We’re talking the *real* deal: a marinade that tenderizes the chicken to blissful perfection, a lemon-herb blend that sings of the Mediterranean sun, and a grilling technique that gives you that irresistible char. I skipped the ouzo (no alcohol here!) but doubled down on flavor for a truly transportive experience. It’s so authentic, you’ll practically hear the waves crashing!

Can I prepare the chicken for this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Marinating the chicken overnight is like sending it on a mini spa vacation – it soaks up all those delicious flavors and becomes even more tender. Just pop the marinated chicken in a sealed container in the fridge, and it will be ready to skewer and grill whenever hunger strikes. Think of it as a little gift to your future self. You will be thanking you later when you have this flavor-packed meal on the table in minutes. This simple step can be a lifesaver on a busy weeknight!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Are you ready for a Greek feast? Forget the sad side salad – we’re going big! Think fluffy pita bread for wrapping those juicy chicken skewers, a vibrant Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce. Or, roast some lemon potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy. For a lighter option, grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers are fantastic. Basically, anything that screams fresh and flavorful will pair perfectly with your souvlaki.

What if I don’t have a grill for this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

No grill? No problem! You can achieve delicious results using a grill pan on your stovetop or even by broiling the skewers in your oven. For the grill pan, make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken to get those coveted grill marks. If you’re broiling, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning, and turn the skewers frequently for even cooking. While it might not be *exactly* the same as grilling outdoors, the flavor will still be amazing, and your taste buds will do a happy dance!