You simply cannot go to Greece without experiencing souvlaki. It’s a major Greek street food, and happens to be one of my favorites.
What is Greek Souvlaki?
Like Kabobs, the word Souvlaki simply means “meat on skewers.” But Greeks also use it to describe the actual meal—warm pita, loaded with perfectly marinated grilled meat and topped with Tzatziki sauce. Other fixings are typically included, and even a handful of fries are tucked into the pita.
During my last visit to Greece, I had a lot of good souvlaki, particularly in Athens. And I’ve been in love ever since! The closest thing I experienced to Athen’s Greek chicken souvlaki, though, was here at a smallish Greek festival in Cumming, Georgia. The annual festival is put on by a local Greek Orthdox Church, and non other than all-knowing Greek Yiayias are in charge of the food. A feast including: spanakopita, keftedes, and grilled souvlaki!
Why this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe works?
After a bit of research and trial and error, I’ve developed my own Greek chicken souvlaki recipe. It is not a complicated recipe, but it was important for me to get it right. What goes into this souvlaki recipe? Three simple things: an awesome Greek souvlaki marinade, quality chicken, and the pita fixings.
Greek Souvlaki Marinade. It’s a simple marinade with the perfect balance of flavors—lots of raw garlic along with spices like oregano, rosemary, and sweet paprika. The liquid in this souvlaki marinade is a combination of excellent extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and dry white wine. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate for a couple of hours or overnight (refrigerated). But if not, even 30 minutes is enough to infuse the chicken with great flavor.
Pita fixings. To assemble a mean grilled souvlaki, you need some warm Greek pita and a few fixings. I usually grill my pita just before servings. Greek Tzatziki sauce is a MUST! And I typically add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and Kalamata olives.
What to serve with Greek souvlaki?
This chicken souvlaki recipe will make between 10 and 12 skewers. And if you’re looking to turn it into a Mediterranean-style BBQ party, then consider adding a few salads and sides to go along. Greek salad or this orzo salad are a natural addition, but Balela, Fattoush, Grilled Zucchini Salad and this cooling Watermelon Salad would work as well. Make a large Mezze platter like this one, or a plate of creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus. Finish this Greek affair with my favorite dessert: Baklava! You really can’t go wrong with Greek souvlaki any night of the week! This chicken souvlaki recipe includes outdoor grill or grill pan instructions. And if you love Greek chicken souvlaki, try this Chicken Spinach Salad, which was inspired by the flavors of the classic dish.
Watch how to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki
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10 garlic cloves, peeled 2 tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 tsp each Kosher salt and black pepper 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup dry white wine Juice of 1 lemon 2 bay leaves
For Chicken
2 1/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Pita Fixings
Greek pita bread Tzatziki Sauce (make according to this recipe) Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives
Ideas for Sides to Serve Along (optional)
Greek salad recipe Roasted Garlic Hummus Mezze Platter Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
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