At my cousins backyard bbq last summer, i discovered this colourful plate of chicken on sticks that smelled amazing. It's called Chicken Souvlaki and its full of bold taste and simple charm. Pieces of chicken are marinaded and then grilled till they got these nice brown marks. Folks everywhere can't get enough of it, whether its a quick meal after school or for big family nights.
Its actually been around since ancient times in Greece. Back then, people bought souvlaki from street sellers in busy markets. Today, one can find it all over the Mediterranean and even at some local food trucks near me. The name comes from the Greek word souvla, or skewer, wich is exactly how they cook it.
Adding Chicken Souvlaki to your dinner shows off your cooking skills and brings some sunny Mediterranean vibes to the table. Chicken is high in protein, so its both tasty and healthy. As we dig deeper into Chicken Souvlaki, we will check out the ingrediants, how to make it, and fun ways to serve it. Youre gonna love it.
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki is basically small bites of chicken that are marinaded in oil, lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled on a stick. The word “souvlaki” comes from Greek souvla (skewer). Its a street food in Greece, but now its popular almost everywhere. You might see it in restaurants, at fairs, or at your neighbours cookout.
It’s kinda like kebabs, but with smaller chicken pieces. Kebabs sometimes mix meats and veggies on one stick, while Chicken Souvlaki usually keeps the chicken separate or adds just a few veggies. The taste of Greek seasoning—olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano—makes it stand out. Kebabs have their own spice mix, but souvlaki has that classic Mediterranean zing.
Its also healthier than many fried foods. Grilled chicken packs a lot of protein and is lower in calories and bad fats than red meat. So if you’re watching your diet, Chicken Souvlaki is a great choice that still tastes awesome.
Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki
To make Chicken Souvlaki just right, you’ll need these ingrediants:
- Chicken: You can pick breast or thigh. Thighs are juicer and more flavourful, but breasts are leaner.
- Olive Oil: Helps with the marinade and adds rich taste.
- Lemon Juice: Makes the chicken tender and adds a bit of tang.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a nice punch.
- Oregano: Dried oregano is classic in Greek dishes.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavours.
You can also spice it up with some extras:
- Veggies for Skewers: Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini look cool and taste great.
- Marinade Twists: Try yogurt or other herbs like thyme for a fun variation.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki: Complete Recipe
Making Chicken Souvlaki at home is pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast or thigh, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Bell peppers, onions, zucchini
Directions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the bowl and stir so theyre all coated. Let it sit for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better, but dont let it go too long or it gets mushy).
- Prep the Skewers: If you use wooden sticks, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes so they dont burn on the grill.
- Grill: Heat your grill to medium. Thread chicken (and veggies if you want) onto the skewers. Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning now and then, until fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Serve: Put your skewers on a plate with warm pita bread, some tzatziki sauce, and a simple salad.
Cooking Tips
- Add spices like paprika or cumin to the marinade for extra kick.
- If you dont have a grill, bake skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes in the oven.
Serving Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki goes well with lots of sides and drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Sides: Try rice, grilled veggies, or a Greek salad. Roasted potatoes or pasta salad work too.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer is nice. For non-alcoholic, lemonade or sparkling water with mint is refreshing.
- Presentation: Arrange skewers on a big plate with parsley and lemon wedges for a colourful look.
Health Benefits of Chicken Souvlaki
Besides tasting great, Chicken Souvlaki is pretty good for you:
- Protein: Chicken is loaded with protein to help build muscles.
- Low Fat: Grilled chicken has less fat than fried foods or red meat.
- Good Fats: Olive oil has healthy fats and antioxidants that help your heart.
- Mediterranean diet: This dish fits right in with the Mediterranean diet, which folks say can help you live longer.
- Portion Control: Just watch how many skewers you eat and add veggies to keep things balanced.
Variations of Chicken Souvlaki
You can change up Chicken Souvlaki lots of ways:
- Different Marinades: Add honey for sweetness or chilli flakes for heat.
- Other Proteins: Use pork, beef, or even mushrooms for a veggie version.
- New Herbs: Try rosemary, thyme, or basil for fresh tastes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Souvlaki
Here are a few mistakes people often make:
- Too Much Marinating: If you leave chicken too long, it gets mushy or too salty.
- Squished on Skewers: Leave space between pieces so they cook evenly.
- Too Hot Grill: High heat can burn outsides but leave insides raw. Medium heat is best.
- Skipping Rest Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices settle.
FAQs
What is the origin of Souvlaki?
Souvlaki started in ancient Greece and was sold by street vendors. The name means “skewer” in Greek.
Can I make Chicken Souvlaki in an oven?
Yes. Just preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), put skewers on a baking sheet, and bake 25–30 minutes, turning once.
How long do I need to marinate chicken for souvlaki?
At least 1 hour, but overnight gives more flavour. Dont go much longer or the chicken gets too soft.
What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
Greek salad, pita, tzatziki, roasted veggies, or rice are all great sides.
Is Chicken Souvlaki healthy?
Yes. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and fits a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Chicken Souvlaki is a simple yet flavourful dish with roots in ancient Greece. It’s easy to make, healthy, and perfect for any gathering. Feel free to try new marinades or proteins, and let us know how you customize it in the comments below.
Chicken Souvlaki
Equipment
- 1 skewers wooden or metal
- 1 cutting board
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cucumber cucumber (for tzatziki, optional) For tzatziki, optional
- 1 cup Greek yogurt For tzatziki, optional
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For tzatziki, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped For tzatziki, optional
- pita bread and fresh vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce, onions) pita bread and fresh vegetables For serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce by grating the cucumber and squeezing out excess moisture, then combining it with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and fresh dill in a bowl.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
