Chicken Souvlaki: A Mediterranean Delight

Chicken Souvlaki: A Mediterranean Delight

Chicken souvlaki is a traditional Greek street food that is both delicious and easy to make. This simplified version of Greek chicken kabobs or shish kabobs features tender chicken marinated in a bright lemon garlic marinade, then grilled until perfectly juicy and charred.

Unlike kabobs, which are grilled with vegetables, souvlakis are simply skewers of meat and are meant to be served with fresh-cut veggies or even a Greek salad. The finishing touch is a mandatory drizzle of tzatziki sauce all over everything.

If you love Mediterranean recipes and easy dinner ideas, this recipe is perfect for you! Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own mouthwatering chicken souvlaki at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and bell pepper.
7. Grill the Souvlaki: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki with a Greek salad and some tzatziki sauce.

Tips:

• To make sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the souvlaki in a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Chicken souvlaki is a great make-ahead meal. Simply cook the souvlaki ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat them on the grill or in the oven.
• Chicken souvlaki is also a great option for parties and potlucks. They're easy to make and everyone loves them!

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken souvlaki!