Chicken Souvlaki

Discover the rich and tantalizing taste of Chicken Souvlaki with this authentic recipe that brings the essence of Greece to your table. Tender chicken, infused with a Mediterranean marinade, grilled to perfection, and served alongside warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, promises a delightful culinary journey.

Ingredients:

Chicken and Marinade:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4 breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Juice of 2 lemons (adjust to 3 if lemons are not very juicy)
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
• 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1-1.5 tsp coarse salt, more or less to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper

To Serve:

• 6-8 Greek pita bread, warmed
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup tzatziki sauce, more or less to taste

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced dill weed, minced parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend thoroughly.
2. Place chicken cubes in a large zip-top bag or glass container suitable for marinating. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 12 hours).

Prepare and Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 45 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
3. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning a quarter of the way to ensure even cooking. Total cooking time should be around 16-20 minutes, depending on chicken thickness.
4. While grilling, lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the pita bread and grill until warmed.

Assemble Chicken Souvlaki:

1. Thinly slice tomatoes and red onion, arranging them on a serving dish.
2. To serve, place a warmed pita bread on each plate. Top with grilled chicken from the skewers, sliced onions, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
3. Serve immediately to enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Souvlaki!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the visual appeal of your Chicken Souvlaki by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a few additional slices of lemon.
2. Side Dish Selection: Serve alongside traditional Greek sides such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of rice pilaf for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.
3. Family Style: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers, warmed pita bread, sliced tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce on a large platter for a communal serving that encourages sharing and interaction.
4. Customization: Offer additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or chopped cucumbers for guests to personalize their Chicken Souvlaki wraps or plates.
5. Pairing Suggestions: Complement the flavors with a refreshing beverage such as a Greek wine like Assyrtiko, a classic lemonade, or a sparkling water with a wedge of lemon.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before storing.
2. Freezing Option: If planning to freeze, marinate the chicken and then store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
3. Pita Bread Storage: Store leftover pita bread in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly on a grill or in a toaster oven to revive its freshness.
4. Tzatziki Sauce: Keep any leftover tzatziki sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving again.
5. Safety Note: Ensure reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to safely enjoy leftovers.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can maximize the enjoyment of your Chicken Souvlaki while minimizing waste and ensuring food safety. Whether serving for a family meal or a gathering of friends, these tips will help you create a memorable dining experience with Greek-inspired flavors.

Variations:

Explore these creative variations to customize your Chicken Souvlaki recipe and add new flavors and textures to this classic Greek dish:

1. Vegetarian Option: Grilled Vegetable Souvlaki
   • Replace chicken with skewered vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.
   • Marinate the vegetables in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
   • Grill until vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Serve with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
2. Spicy Chicken Souvlaki
   • Add a kick of heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the marinade.
   • Alternatively, serve with a side of spicy harissa sauce or sriracha-infused tzatziki for those who prefer more heat.
3. Greek Yogurt Marinade
   • Substitute part of the oil in the marinade with Greek yogurt to tenderize the chicken and add creaminess.
   • Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper before coating the chicken. Marinate as usual and grill.
4. Citrus Twist
   • Infuse the marinade with additional citrus flavors by adding grated lemon or orange zest along with the juice.
   • Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with a citrusy side salad for a refreshing twist.
5. Herb-Infused Chicken
   • Experiment with different fresh herbs such as basil, mint, or thyme in the marinade alongside traditional dill and parsley.
   • Adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences and explore new herb combinations for unique flavors.
6. Shish Tawook Inspired
   • Incorporate Middle Eastern influences by marinating the chicken in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices like sumac, cumin, and paprika.
   • Serve with flatbread or naan instead of pita and pair with a side of hummus or tahini sauce.
7. Seafood Souvlaki
   • Explore a Mediterranean twist by substituting chicken with skewered shrimp or chunks of firm white fish such as cod or halibut.
   • Marinate seafood in a similar lemon-garlic marinade and grill until seafood is opaque and cooked through. Serve with a side of seafood-friendly tzatziki.
8. Wrap Style
   • Transform Chicken Souvlaki into wraps or gyros by assembling grilled chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce inside a soft tortilla or lavash bread.
   • Add shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for added texture and flavor.

These variations allow you to adapt Chicken Souvlaki to suit different tastes and dietary preferences while maintaining its essence of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a spicier twist, or a seafood alternative, these ideas will inspire delicious meals that celebrate Greek cuisine in new and exciting ways.

FAQs :

1. What is Chicken Souvlaki? Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek dish consisting of grilled pieces of marinated chicken served on skewers. It’s typically accompanied by pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Thighs will add a richer flavor and tenderness to the dish.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken? It’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to overnight (up to 12 hours) for the best flavor. The longer marination time allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
4. Can I grill Chicken Souvlaki indoors? Yes, you can grill Chicken Souvlaki indoors using a grill pan or an electric grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the skewers as you would on an outdoor grill.
5. What if I don’t have access to a grill? If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the Chicken Souvlaki skewers in a hot skillet or broil them in the oven. Ensure they are cooked through and have a slight char for the best flavor.
6. How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning? Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling.
7. Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Grill the chicken skewers when ready to serve for the freshest taste and texture.
8. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the tenderness of the chicken.
9. What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki? Chicken Souvlaki pairs well with traditional Greek sides such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of rice pilaf. You can also enjoy it with extra tzatziki sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
10. Is Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free? The main components of Chicken Souvlaki (chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce) are gluten-free. Ensure the pita bread used is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Indulge in the authentic taste of Greece with this Chicken Souvlaki recipe, perfect for a flavorful meal that captivates the senses. Whether shared with family or friends, each bite promises a savory experience that transports you to the Mediterranean coast.