Oh, Chicken Souvlaki! Just writing it down gets me excited! This dish brings back memories of long, sunny summer days when I visited a charming Greek restaurant near the beach with friends. That delightful smoky aroma of grilled chicken combined with vibrant veggies always felt like a warm hug. I knew right then that I had to recreate it at home! The beauty of Chicken Souvlaki is not just the meal itself but the experience of preparing it. It’s a fantastic dish to whip up for a gathering, and trust me, your friends and family will be clamoring for seconds.
Now, there’s something magical about marinating chicken. It infuses flavors like nothing else. Not to mention, these tasty skewers are super versatile! You can serve them as a main dish or even as a fun appetizer at your next shindig. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, Chicken Souvlaki should be on your plate!
What’s in Chicken Souvlaki?
Let’s break down the ingredients a bit so you know exactly what we’ll be using.
Chicken Breast: We’ll be using skinless boneless chicken breast for this recipe. I prefer using organic chicken whenever possible as it often tastes better and is free of antibiotics.
Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil is key here. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is an absolute must! It adds the bright, tangy flavor that’s characteristic of Greek cuisine.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a savory depth to the dish. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is just so much better!
Oregano: Dried oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking. It brings a lovely herbal note.
Pepper and Salt: Basic seasonings, but essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Pita Bread and Tzatziki: Not typically included in the skewers, but they’re such a great addition when serving! The pita provides that delightful soft texture, and tzatziki is the perfect cooling sauce.
Is Chicken Souvlaki Good for You?
Absolutely, it is! Let’s talk about the health benefits of some key ingredients.
Chicken Breast: This lean protein is fantastic for muscle building and keeps you feeling full. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories — win-win!
Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats, olive oil is known to support heart health and reduce inflammation. Just make sure not to go overboard since it is calorically dense.
Lemon Juice: Full of vitamin C, lemon juice aids digestion and brightens up your dish with a zesty flavor.
The only consideration? If you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of how much salt you use or opt for a salt substitute. Also, if you decide to serve the souvlaki with pita or tzatziki, keep an eye on portions; while delicious, they add extra calories.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs Chicken Breast, diced into 1-inch cubes (serves 4)
– 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Juice of 2 Lemons
– 4 cloves Garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Dried Oregano
– Salt and Pepper to taste
– Pita Bread, for serving
– Tzatziki Sauce, for dipping
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken breast and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. **Soak Skewers (if using wooden):** If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
3. **Prepare the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high as well.
4. **Skewer the Chicken:** Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little bit of space between each piece for even cooking.
5. **Grill the Skewers:** Place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
6. **Serve:** Remove the skewers from the grill, let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with warm pita bread and a generous side of tzatziki sauce.
Flavor Boost Tips!
– For a twist on the traditional recipe, add veggies! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can add color and flavor. Just toss them in the marinade with the chicken.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, use other meats like lamb or shrimp. The marinade works beautifully with various proteins.
– Consider serving a simple Greek salad on the side. It complements the skewers wonderfully!
So, there you have it! A delicious and easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe ready to light up your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to give this a shot! It’s not just about eating; it’s about the experience. So go forth, fire up that grill, and make some tasty memories! If you do try it, let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!