Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re longing for a bite-sized taste of Greece that transports you straight to sun-drenched Mediterranean evenings, look no further than this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Juicy marinated chicken, tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and just-charred veggies all cozied up on skewers—it’s simple to prepare, yet explodes with flavor. This recipe brings together the traditional ingredients and cooking techniques that make Greek cuisine so irresistible, and I promise, every bite feels like a mini vacation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe comes from its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, color, and tenderness. Stock up on these few essentials, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly a Mediterranean feast comes together.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts keep the skewers tender and juicy, plus they soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil boosts the silkiness of the marinade and adds unmistakable Greek depth.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon brightens every bite while helping tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Four cloves, minced, provide a robust aromatic punch that makes the marinade pop.
• Dried oregano: The essential Greek herb that infuses each piece with rustic, earthy notes.
• Dried thyme: Adds a subtle floral aroma that perfectly complements the oregano.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously for the best flavor foundation and bring out the freshness in every ingredient.
• Red onion: Chunky pieces caramelize beautifully and offer a sweet counterpoint to the tangy chicken.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, these add vibrant appeal and juicy crunch.
• Green bell pepper: Their grassy flavor balances the sweetness of red peppers and the acidity of lemon.
• Wooden skewers: Soak in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill, ensuring perfectly cooked souvlaki every time.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, plus salt and pepper. This luxurious marinade is the secret behind the flavors of any Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe—it’s zesty, garlicky, herby, and saturated with sunshine.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breast chunks to your bowl, tossing them gently to coat each piece in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. If you can, let the chicken luxuriate overnight; this extended soak ensures each bite is supremely flavorful and super tender.

Step 3: Prep the Skewers

While your chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This little step prevents them from scorching on the grill, guaranteeing a stress-free cooking experience. Don’t forget to chop your red and green bell peppers and red onion into generous, grill-friendly chunks!

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Alternate marinated chicken chunks with pieces of red onion and bell peppers on each skewer. This isn’t just for looks—the veggies caramelize and lightly char, lending sweet smokiness that makes this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe truly stand out.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear, the veggies are slightly softened, and the chicken is fully cooked through with a bit of golden char. The aroma swirling around your grill will have everyone’s mouth watering!

Step 6: Serve Hot with Tzatziki

Remove skewers from the grill and serve immediately while piping hot, alongside a cool bowl of creamy tzatziki for classic Greek dipping bliss. Every bite is juicy, bold, and perfectly balanced—Mediterranean comfort on a stick!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish adds a final touch of brightness and freshness. Sprinkle your souvlaki with chopped fresh parsley, extra oregano, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a pop of color and even more cheerful Greek flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with fluffy pita bread, pillowy rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes. Add a crisp Greek salad, olives, and feta cheese for a full Mediterranean spread that satisfies every craving and elevates your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family gatherings, arrange the skewers over a platter lined with lettuce leaves and pile high with veggies. Or, try making Souvlaki wraps—tuck chicken and veggies into warm pita with tzatziki, chopped tomatoes, and onion for a portable Greek feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover souvlaki (lucky you!), simply remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, ready to revive those Mediterranean flavors anytime you please.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked souvlaki pieces—off the skewers—in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When you’re ready to relive those summery grill flavors, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back the just-grilled freshness, gently reheat souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a spritz of lemon if the pieces seem dry—the flavor will bounce right back!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and come out extra juicy, making them a fantastic alternative in this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

While even an hour works well, letting the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge brings out the most robust Greek flavors and tenderizes each piece – worth the wait!

Is it possible to cook souvlaki without a grill?

Definitely! You can use a stovetop grill pan or broil the skewers in your oven, turning them occasionally for even char and caramelization. The Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is delightfully versatile.

Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?

Of course! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms all grill up beautifully and make a fun, colorful addition to your souvlaki skewers.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free and gluten-free?

Great news: this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free! Just double-check your accompanying sauces and side dishes to keep things allergen-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about food that brings people together, and nothing does it quite like this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. It’s fun to make, even better to eat, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and discover the simple joy of Greek cooking at home tonight!

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