– **Title**: Greek Chicken Souvlaki
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Wooden or metal skewers
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
7. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with pita bread or a side of tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal, but thighs would work well too for extra flavor. If you want to go lighter, turkey breast can be a nice alternative.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor. If you have a different oil, such as avocado or canola, that can substitute, though it may alter the taste slightly.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as good substitutes!
Dried Oregano: A key flavor in Greek cooking. If you can’t find it, Italian seasoning can stand in, but might lessen that Greek authenticity.
Greek Yogurt: A creamy base for your sauce! Feel free to use regular yogurt if that’s what you have. You could also try a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
Pita Bread: Traditional for this dish, but any flatbread works. Whole wheat pita adds a nutty flavor. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Souvlaki?
Grilling chicken souvlaki to perfection involves key steps. Marinating the chicken is crucial as it infuses flavor and helps keep it juicy.
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and thoroughly coat chicken cubes. Cover and refrigerate. Longer marination yields better flavor.
- When skewering, don’t pack the chicken too tightly. This ensures even cooking and helps it get those lovely grill marks.
- Keep the grill at a medium-high temperature, which helps to sear the chicken while retaining moisture. Aim for about 165°F to confirm it’s done!
- Don’t rush it: turning the skewers occasionally allows for even cooking on all sides. Plus, a little patience equals yummy char!
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (overnight is best!). Cooking the chicken on the grill will take about 10-12 minutes, plus a few extra minutes to warm the pita. Overall, you should set aside a couple of hours, including marinating time, to enjoy these tasty souvlakis!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, and some salt and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss everything together until the chicken is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to make the yogurt sauce! In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 grated and drained cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. Place the bowl in the fridge to chill while you grill the chicken.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or a grill pan ready by preheating it over medium-high heat. This will get it nice and hot for the chicken.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces onto skewers. Make sure to pack them tightly but leave a bit of space between the pieces so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn the skewers occasionally so all sides get those lovely grill marks and the chicken cooks through completely.
6. Warm the Pita:
While the chicken is grilling, you can lightly warm the pita bread. You can do this by placing it on the grill for a minute, or using a dry skillet on the stove. This will make the pita soft and delicious!
7. Assemble the Souvlaki:
Now comes the fun part! On each warm pita, layer some shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Then, place a few grilled chicken skewers on top and drizzle them generously with the cool yogurt sauce you made earlier.
8. Serve:
Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki is ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zesty flavor. Happy eating!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for the Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to your souvlaki. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger, as thighs might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, apple cider vinegar works well too!
Can I Make the Chicken Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken cubes when you’re ready to grill and let it marinate for at least an hour. This gives the flavors more time to develop!
How Should I Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place the chicken skewers on a grill or in the oven until warmed through. You can serve the leftovers on a fresh pita or toss them in a salad for a quick meal!
