How To Make Restaurant-quality Chicken Souvlaki At Home

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Greece with our comprehensive guide on how to make chicken souvlaki at home. This iconic dish, featuring succulent chicken skewers marinated in a symphony of Mediterranean herbs and spices, is a culinary masterpiece that can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Chicken Souvlaki:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for the Souvlaki Marinade:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Souvlaki Skewers:

• Soak 12 wooden or metal skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. Skewer the Chicken:

• Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.

4. Grill the Souvlaki:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Brush the souvlaki skewers with olive oil.
• Grill the souvlaki for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the souvlaki from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the souvlaki with your favorite sides, such as pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or grilled vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki:

• Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t over-marinate the chicken, as this can make it tough.
• Grill the souvlaki over medium-high heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Brush the souvlaki with olive oil during grilling to keep them moist.
• Let the souvlaki rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations:

• Chicken and Vegetable Souvlaki: Add chunks of bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a colorful and flavorful variation.
• Pork Souvlaki: Substitute pork loin for chicken for a richer and more savory flavor.
• Lamb Souvlaki: Use lamb shoulder for a traditional and aromatic souvlaki experience.

Accompaniments:

• Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing and creamy sauce made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil.
• Greek Salad: A vibrant salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese.
• Pita Bread: A soft and fluffy flatbread that can be used to wrap the souvlaki and sauces.

The Art of Grilling:

• Use a clean grill: A dirty grill will transfer burnt residue to your food.
• Preheat thoroughly: Allow the grill to preheat to the desired temperature before cooking.
• Control the heat: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give the food enough space to cook evenly.
• Flip regularly: Flip the food at regular intervals to ensure even cooking.

Beyond Souvlaki:

• Chicken Gyros: Similar to souvlaki, but the chicken is thinly sliced and served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
• Kalamari Souvlaki: Grilled squid skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
• Shrimp Souvlaki: Succulent shrimp skewers grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use wooden or metal skewers for souvlaki?
A: Both wooden and metal skewers can be used, but wooden skewers should be soaked in water before grilling to prevent burning.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than overnight. Over-marinating can make the chicken tough.

Q: What is the best way to grill souvlaki?
A: Grill the souvlaki over medium-high heat, brushing with olive oil during grilling to keep them moist.