Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is tender and juicy, easy to make and full of flavor. These marinated chicken kabobs are seasoned with Greek Oregano, garlic and lemon juice. So simple, everyone will be asking for more meat skewers! Instructions for charcoal bbq or indoor griddle/gas grill with bbq video tutorial.

What is Souvlaki?

Souvlaki is marinated cubes of meat, (and sometimes vegetables) skewered and then grilled. It's like an easy fast food, eaten hot and usually right off the skewer. Originating in Greece, around Athens they are known as Kalamaki. Meat kabob skewers are popular in many cultures, from Lamb Shashlik, Japanese Yakitori to Mediterranean Pork Kabobs. It seems like every culture loves grilled meats!

What types of Meats are Used in Souvlaki?

This is a Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, but the meats can be interchangeable. Use your favorite meats like;

• Pork
• Beef
• Lamb
• Chicken

Chicken Souvlaki Seasoning

The secret to delicious tasting Souvlaki seasoning is using Greek Oregano. That is all. You don't need fancy Greek seasonings which aren't really Greek at all, but just clever marketing. Greek Oregano is savory and earthy, and isn't as mild as Italian Oregano. To keep this recipe authentic, find real Greek Oregano, seasoned with salt and pepper. Too easy!

Souvlaki Marinade

You only need a few ingredients to make your tasty Souvlaki marinade. Most of these items, you already probably have in your pantry.

• ⅓ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 large cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Greek Oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Ziploc Bag

How long do you marinate Chicken Souvlaki?

For best flavor, marinate the Chicken Souvlaki overnight in the fridge. Place the cubed chicken and souvlaki marinade in a Ziploc, shake to coat and that's it! If you are in a hurry, marinate the chicken pieces for 4-5 hours before skewering.

Metal or Wooden Skewers?

I think it's always best to use metal skewers when grilling meat kebobs. Metal skewers don't burn, are easy to wash and are re-usable and must be used for Charcoal grilling. Wooden skewers tend to burn, because the are made from wood, but are used with grilling indoors or on the gas bbq. Here are some tips if using wooden skewers.

• Use bamboo skewers instead of wood, the thicker the better
• Soak skewers submerged in water overnight before using
• Cover as much of the skewer with meat, so tips don't burn

How to Grill Souvlaki

The best tasting Souvlaki is cooked over hot charcoals, just like Shashlik. However, it's common to grill Souvlaki on a bbq or an indoor griddle.

Hot Charcoal Method

1. Prepare your charcoal fire in a chimney starter. PRO TIP: Don't tip into the base of your bbq until all the charcoals are white. This will take around 15-20 minutes.
2. Don't evenly spread the charcoals over the base of your bbq. The chicken Souvlaki needs space to cook over Direct Heat and then Indirect Heat so they don't burn.
3. Place the METAL skewers over the direct heat, and flip them over as they cook. Depending on the heat of the charcoal, it can take a few minutes per side. Keep an eye so it doesn't burn, it happens very fast!
4. Chicken breast is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 160°F/70°C

Gas Bbq or Indoor Griddle Method

1. Heat the bbq or griddle on medium-high heat. Using cooking spray, apply on the griddle or bbq grill.
2. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook until browned, flip and repeat. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Chicken breast is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 160°F/70°C

Sauce for Greek Souvlaki

Nobody like eating dry Souvlaki, and I am obsessed with sauces. It's so easy to make homemade sauces for Greek Chicken Souvlaki, you don't need to buy them. My 2 favorite sauces that I eat with all Greek food is Tzatziki Sauce and Yogurt Garlic Sauce that tastes amazing with kebabs.

What to Serve with Greek Souvlaki?

This Souvlaki recipe makes around 10 metal skewers or 12 bamboo skewers (because they are shorter). Usually Souvlaki is served with Pita Bread wit sliced tomatoes, onion and sauce. Like a quick easy street food, but that's not the only way to enjoy Souvlaki.

We eat this as part of a Greek Meze feast. Meze means 'small dishes' like appetizers enjoyed across the Mediterranean and the Balkans. We make many Greek and Mediterranean Meze dishes to enjoy, including grilled souvlaki.

• Tzatziki Sauce
• Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
• Fried Saganaki
• Grilled Octopus
• Taramasalata
• Greek Eggplant Dip
• Spanakopita (Spinach Triangles)
• Yogurt Garlic Sauce
• Kalamata Olives
• Ouzo
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Kleftiko - Roasted Goat for Main Meal
• Honey Roasted Figs for dessert

Follow along the video to make Greek Chicken Souvlaki, perfect for your Greek Meze feast! A tasty summer summer Mediterranean bbq recipe that will WOW your guests! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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