Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: A Greek Delight
This recipe will guide you through making delicious and authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish is packed with flavour and relatively easy to make. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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For Serving (suggestions):
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped red onion
- Lettuce
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Marinating the Chicken: The Key to Flavor
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be!
Cooking the Chicken Souvlaki: Your Options
You have several options for cooking your chicken souvlaki:
- Skewers (most traditional): Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Making Tzatziki Sauce: The Perfect Complement
This simple tzatziki sauce perfectly complements the chicken souvlaki.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Your Delicious Chicken Souvlaki:
Serve the cooked chicken souvlaki on warm pita bread with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Souvlaki:
- Don't overcrowd the pan or grill: This will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your souvlaki will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients.
- Adjust the spices to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: Marinate the chicken the day before for maximum flavor. You can even prep the tzatziki sauce in advance.
This recipe provides a fantastic base; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or additions. Enjoy your homemade Greek feast!
