Greek chicken skewers, or souvlaki, are a quintessential Mediterranean dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your plate. This entree combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of colorful sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish and its accompanying sides.
The Recipe:
Greek Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki)
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Detailed Preparation:
To make the best Greek chicken skewers, start with high-quality chicken breast. Cutting the chicken into uniform cubes ensures even cooking.
The marinade is key to infusing flavor, so don’t rush this step. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 to avoid mushy texture.
When grilling, maintain a medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying out the chicken. If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them to prevent burning.
For a time-saving tip, prepare the marinade and cut the chicken the night before.
Variations:
Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers
Add cubes of bell pepper and red onion between chicken pieces
Try a yogurt-based marinade for a tangier flavor
Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping
Tips:
Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken
Avoid uneven cutting, as it can lead to inconsistent cooking
Don’t forget to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking
The Side Dishes:
Steamed Eggplant:
Slice eggplant into rounds, steam for 10-15 minutes until tender.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and herbs before serving.
Orzo Pasta Salad:
Cook orzo according to package instructions.
Toss with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Add fresh herbs like parsley and mint for extra flavor.
Honeydew Melon Balls:
Use a melon baller to scoop out small spheres of honeydew melon.
Chill before serving for a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes.
Equipment & Ingredients:
By assembling these ingredients and tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create this delicious Greek-inspired meal in your own kitchen. Purchasing these items on Amazon may be necessary to successfully make this dish at home:
Equipment:
Bamboo Skewers
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Melon Baller
Grill Pan
Steamer Basket
Lemon Juicer
Herb Scissors
Ingredients:
Greek Olive Oil
Dried Greek Oregano
Orzo Pasta
The combination of grilled chicken skewers with refreshing sides offers a balanced and flavorful dining experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a special family dinner.
Greek Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki) Recipe
Tender, flavorful Greek chicken skewers marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for grilling and pairing with Mediterranean sides.
Prep Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes1/4 cup olive oil3 tablespoons lemon juice2 cloves garlic minced2 teaspoons dried oregano1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepperwooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
For best results, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 to avoid mushy texture.
If using metal skewers, no need to soak them before use.
Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keyword Greek chicken skewers, souvlaki, grilled chicken, Mediterranean cuisine
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