Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This aromatic marinade will impart the classic Greek flavors to the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill will ensure your chicken gets those beautiful char marks and a smoky flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes and pieces of red onion onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Souvlaki
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Chicken souvlaki can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of pita bread, Greek salad, and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
Equipment and Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Grill
- Skewers
- Tongs
Preparation
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare your chicken and allow it to marinate to absorb all the delicious flavors. It is also recommended that you soak your wooden skewers if that’s what you’re using, to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Cooking Process
To make Greek chicken souvlaki, you start by preparing a flavorful marinade and letting the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. Once marinated, you thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion. Grill the skewers on medium-high heat until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has perfect grill marks.
Tips and Tricks
For best results, marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Grill over medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220 (per serving)
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 32g
Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor, this dish is a beloved staple in Greek cuisine and perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, crisp Greek salad, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a truly traditional experience. It’s ideal for a family dinner, a BBQ on a sunny day, or even a special occasion with a touch of Greek flair.
Flavor Profile:
The chicken is infused with the tangy brightness of lemon and the earthy undertones of oregano, while the olive oil gives it a smooth mouthfeel. Each bite is complemented by the sweet and robust flavor of the charred red onions.
Conclusion:
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is your ticket to an easy and delicious meal that will impress your friends and satisfy your family. Whether on a weeknight or for a festive gathering, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to a breezy, seaside taverna in Greece. Kali orexi, or good appetite!
