Introduction to Chicken Souvlaki
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that’s both quick and delicious. That’s where Chicken Souvlaki comes in! This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Imagine tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce. It’s a fantastic way to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for those warm evenings when you want to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and the marinating process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. The grilling adds a smoky touch that elevates the dish. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it with various sides, making it a family favorite that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Chicken Souvlaki. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast: The star of the show! Tender and juicy, it’s perfect for skewering.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and tenderizes the meat. Fresh is best!
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine, it adds an earthy aroma.
- Paprika: This spice gives a subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal, they hold the chicken together while grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
- Greek yogurt: The base for the tzatziki sauce, it’s creamy and tangy.
- Cucumber: Grated and squeezed, it adds freshness to the tzatziki.
- More garlic: Yes, you’ll need it for the tzatziki too! It complements the yogurt beautifully.
- Olive oil (for tzatziki): A drizzle adds richness to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (for tzatziki): Just a splash brightens the sauce and balances the flavors.
- Salt and pepper (for tzatziki): To taste, ensuring the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as each one plays a vital role in creating a mouthwatering Chicken Souvlaki!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Chicken Souvlaki! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken. Toss in the chicken cubes, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you have time, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more!
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. While they soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip the soaking step. Just make sure they’re clean and ready to go!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Once your chicken is marinated and your grill is hot, it’s time to thread the chicken onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want those beautiful grill marks and the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This creamy sauce is the perfect complement to your Chicken Souvlaki!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve! Place the skewers on a platter and serve them hot with the tzatziki sauce on the side. For a complete meal, pair it with warm pita bread and a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
Tips for Success
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; space them out for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist.
- Serve the tzatziki sauce chilled for a refreshing contrast.
Equipment Needed
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works great. You can also use a grill pan on the stove if needed.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are essential. If using wooden, remember to soak them first.
- Mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken and mixing the tzatziki sauce.
- Meat thermometer: To check the chicken’s doneness.
Variations of Chicken Souvlaki
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or marinated mushrooms for a delicious plant-based version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro in the marinade for a unique flavor profile.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce to make it vegan-friendly.
- Grilled Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Souvlaki
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around the chicken and tzatziki.
- Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta complements the dish beautifully.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors.
- Presentation: Serve on a colorful platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a vibrant look.
FAQs about Chicken Souvlaki
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to your Chicken Souvlaki. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as one hour, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating it overnight. This allows the spices to really penetrate the meat.
What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or even some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will be even more flavorful when you serve it!
Is Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Souvlaki is gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels on your yogurt and any other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Chicken Souvlaki is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. The joy of grilling those flavorful skewers and watching my family’s faces light up as they take their first bite is priceless. This recipe brings a taste of Greece into my home, making any evening feel special. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to my kids while keeping things simple. I hope you find as much joy in making this Chicken Souvlaki as I do. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Souvlaki: Unlock Flavor with This Simple Recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Chicken Souvlaki, marinated and grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki sauce)
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out (for tzatziki sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for tzatziki sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the chicken souvlaki hot off the grill with the tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Serve with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg