Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe; Quick and Easy Souvlaki

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Souvlaki is a delicious Greek dish made with chicken, lamb, pork, or beef. This recipe is for chicken souvlaki and can be served as a main course or as a kebab. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek herbs and then grilled or roasted. Serve the chicken souvlaki with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a salad. Stay with Cooking County to learn Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.

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Chicken Souvlaki Origin

Souvlaki, one of Greece’s most beloved dishes, has a rich history that spans centuries. The name comes from the Greek word “souvla,” meaning “skewer,” central to its preparation. The practice of grilling meat on skewers dates back to ancient Greek civilization, with references found in Homer’s works. The dish evolved through Byzantine and Ottoman influences, especially with the introduction of marinating techniques.

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?

Ingredients

For The Chicken Souvlaki

1 pound chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1/2 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces pita bread, warmed
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

For the Tzatziki Sauce

You need 1/2 cup of tzatziki sauce to make Chicken Souvlaki.

1 cucumber, diced
1 small carrot, diced
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper as needed

Directions

Step One

To make tzatziki sauce, combine the cucumber, carrot, red onion and garlic in a medium bowl. Whisk together the yogurt, dill, parsley, and vinegar in a small bowl.

Step Two

Pour over the vegetables and toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Step Three

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, combine the tzatziki sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a medium bowl.

Step Four

Wash the chicken, and cut it into strips. Place the chicken strips in the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade.

Step Five

Put the chicken souvlaki in the refrigerator. The more it rests, the tastier it will be. After a few hours, take the chicken souvlaki out of the fridge. You can both skewer and grill it on charcoal or fry it in a pan.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve your chicken souvlaki with traditional Greek sides such as pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and roasted potatoes.

Key points about Making Chicken Souvlaki

Here are some tips for making the perfect Greek chicken souvlaki Recipe:

Start with the good quality chicken. Use organic or free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor if you can.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before skewering it onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Season the chicken well with a Greek seasoning blend or your favorite spices. Some suggested spices include oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the chicken overnight for the most flavorful results.
Be sure to Preheat your grill or oven before cooking the chicken.
Grill or roast the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. Please do not hesitate to ask if you also have any questions about the Greek chicken souvlaki recipe.

If you like this recipe, we recommend trying Persian saffron chicken kebab.

FAQs about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

What is chicken souvlaki?

It is a popular Greek dish consisting of marinated chicken pieces that are skewered and grilled. The marinade typically includes ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other herbs and spices. It is often served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a variety of vegetables.

What are the souvlaki ingredients?

The main ingredients for chicken souvlaki include chicken breast or thigh pieces, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Is souvlaki healthy?

Yes, It can be a healthy meal as it is high in protein and can be prepared with minimal added fats. Using lean chicken breast, and plenty of vegetables can enhance its nutritional profile. The marinade ingredients, such as olive oil and lemon juice, are also healthy.

Can Chicken souvlaki be frozen?

Yes, marinated chicken for souvlaki can be frozen either before or after cooking. While freezing and thawing can affect the texture slightly, proper handling and reheating can help maintain the quality of this dish.