Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers recipe A Taste of Greece
Introduction
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are a classic Greek dish that features marinated and grilled chicken skewers, packed with Mediterranean flavors. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served as part of a mezze platter, these skewers are sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
1. Marinate the Chicken:
♦ In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
♦ Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Skewer the Chicken:
♦ Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
♦ Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
♦ Discard any remaining marinade.
3. Grill the Skewers:
♦ Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
♦ Rotate the skewers occasionally for even cooking.
4. Serve the Skewers:
♦ Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
♦ Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
♦ Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are best served hot off the grill, accompanied by a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping.
♦ Serve the skewers alongside traditional Greek sides such as Greek salad, pita bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
15 FAQs along with their answers about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers recipe:
What are Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are traditional Greek marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection and typically served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad.
What ingredients are used to make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
The main ingredients for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers include chicken breast or thigh meat, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sometimes additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
How do you prepare the chicken for souvlaki skewers?
The chicken for souvlaki skewers is typically cubed into bite-sized pieces and marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes to overnight to enhance flavor.
Can I use other types of meat for souvlaki skewers?
Yes, while chicken is traditional, you can also use other meats such as pork, lamb, or beef for souvlaki skewers. Adjust the marinating time and cooking time accordingly for different meats.
How do you cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are usually grilled over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside, typically for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
What type of skewers are used for souvlaki?
Metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning can be used for making souvlaki skewers.
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and assemble the skewers, then grill them just before serving for a convenient and flavorful meal.
What sides are typically served with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are often served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce (a yogurt and cucumber dip), sliced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, as well as a Greek salad.
How do you serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are traditionally served hot off the grill with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers without a grill?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even in the oven under the broiler for similar results.
Are Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers gluten-free?
Yes, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients of any marinades or sauces used for gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers spicy?
Yes, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers to add a spicy kick to the dish.
What herbs are typically used in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers marinade?
Dried oregano is the most common herb used in the marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, but you can also add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for additional flavor.
How do you prevent chicken from drying out on skewers?
To prevent chicken from drying out on skewers, make sure not to overcook them. Grill the skewers until the chicken is just cooked through and still juicy, and avoid leaving them on the grill for too long.
Can Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can make vegetarian souvlaki skewers by marinating and grilling vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes instead of chicken.
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. With their tender, juicy chicken and aromatic Mediterranean spices, these skewers are sure to become a favorite for family dinners and backyard BBQs alike.
