Greek Chicken Souvlaki



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Although I enjoy my share of refined cuisine and elaborate meals at restaurants, nothing piques my palate as much as street food. As a kid, the crowded street food stalls near my house would manage to draw my attention every time I passed through them. It would become nearly impossible to control the urge to dig into the mouthwatering dishes.Years have passed, and my love for street food persists. When I travel to a new country, I make sure that I explore the street foods as it gives a great insight into that culture.

The sun-kissed land of Greece enchants travelers with its azure coastline, enchanting islands, rich culinary heritage and last but not the least, its unforgettable gastronomy. Greek street food with its vibrant flavors offers a thrilling gastronomic adventure with every bite and takes all food enthusiasts on a sensational journey back in time to the land of Ancient Greek gods.
Chicken Souvlaki consists of tender pieces of chicken, marinated in a bright and zesty marinade, threaded on skewers and then grilled until perfectly charred. If you are a fan of Greek flavors, then you are going to absolutely love this recipe.
WHAT IS SOUVLAKI?

Souvlaki is one of Greece's most iconic dishes and its dates back to ancient times. The word 'souvlaki' is a take on the Greek word 'souvla' which means skewer. This popular street food consists of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, beef, or lamb) grilled on a skewer and served inside a warm pita or over a salad.
What is the difference between Gyros and Souvlaki?

Both Gyros and Souvlaki are the most beloved delicacies of Greek gastronomy and though they are terms often used interchangebly, the difference lies in how they are prepared. Souvlaki is made with pieces of grilled meat skewered on a stick, while a gyros consists of slices of meat slow cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
If you are looking for more Chicken Recipes, then you can try these: How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki?

Souvlaki can be eaten straight off the skewers as an appetizer, or serve with warm pita bread, a generous dollop of refreshing tzaziki and a colourful Greek salad for a complete delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

If you made this Greek Chicken Souvlaki, I would love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below.



Ingredients:
    For the Chicken Souvlaki
  • 700 g chicken breast, boneless and skinless – cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • For the Tzatziki Sauce
  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • For serving
  • Pita bread
  • Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Instructions:
  1. To prepare the chicken marinade, in a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin powder, paprika powder, dried oregano, salt and black pepper.
  2. Add the prepared marinade to the chicken pieces and mix well so that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Allow the chicken pieces to marinate for at least 45 minutes at room temperature or keep in the refrigerator overnight, if possible.
  3. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water first for about 30 minutes.
  4. To prepare the tzaziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. If are using the grill, apply a small amount of oil to the grill grates or the grill pan to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the chicken skewers to the grill or pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill or pan and transfer them to a plate.
  8. To serve, top each warm pita bread with some grilled chicken pieces, sliced onions, sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes and tzaziki sauce.

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