Transform Your Chicken Souvlaki Game Without Skewers – Here’s The Secret!

Chicken souvlaki, a classic Greek dish, is typically made with marinated chicken chunks skewered and grilled to perfection. But what if you don’t have skewers? Can you still enjoy this delectable treat? Absolutely! Here’s how you can make chicken souvlaki without skewers and still achieve the same mouthwatering flavors.

Prepare the Chicken Marinade

The key to tender and flavorful chicken souvlaki lies in the marinade. In a large bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Marinate the Chicken

Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Make the Souvlaki Sauce

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the souvlaki sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

Assemble the Souvlaki

Without skewers, you can assemble the souvlaki in two ways:

• Wrap Method: Place a grilled chicken cube on a piece of pita bread or a tortilla. Top with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with souvlaki sauce and wrap it up like a burrito.
• Bowl Method: In a bowl, combine the grilled chicken cubes, sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Pour the souvlaki sauce over and toss to coat. Serve with pita bread or rice on the side.

Variations

• Chicken Souvlaki with Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or onions to your souvlaki for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Souvlaki with Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as tzatziki, hummus, or even a spicy Sriracha-based sauce.
• Vegetarian Souvlaki: Use grilled halloumi cheese or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

Tips

• Use high-quality olive oil for the marinade and sauce to enhance the flavors.
• Allow the chicken to marinate for as long as possible to maximize flavor absorption.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill when cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the souvlaki immediately with your favorite sides, such as pita bread, rice, or a Greek salad.

The Bottom Line: Savor the Flavor of Souvlaki Without Skewers

Making chicken souvlaki without skewers is a convenient and delicious alternative that allows you to enjoy this classic dish without the hassle of skewers. Whether you wrap it up or serve it in a bowl, the tender chicken, flavorful marinade, and refreshing sauce will delight your taste buds. So, next time you crave souvlaki, don’t let the lack of skewers hold you back!

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I use wooden skewers without soaking them?

Yes, but it’s recommended to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

2. What can I use instead of a grill?

You can use a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet, or even a baking sheet to grill the chicken.

3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I make souvlaki ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Grill the chicken and assemble the souvlaki just before serving.