What Is Chicken Souvlaki? The Ultimate Guide to This Greek Delight

From Alexandra’s Kitchen, there’s a comprehensive recipe for “Super-Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki” with detailed instructions for marinating and cooking the dish, along with serving suggestions like tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and simple salads

From Chef’s Resource, there’s a definitive guide to chicken souvlaki, including its components, history, variations, and FAQs about preparation methods.

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Let me craft a comprehensive article about chicken souvlaki using this information:

Have you ever caught a whiff of that intoxicating aroma of charred meat and herbs wafting from a Greek restaurant? Chances are, you’re smelling the magnificent chicken souvlaki being grilled to perfection. As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting this dish in my own kitchen, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this Greek culinary treasure.

What Exactly Is Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken souvlaki is a quintessential Greek street food consisting of marinated chicken pieces, typically threaded onto skewers and grilled until perfectly charred and juicy. The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word “souvla,” which means “spit” or “skewer” – a fitting name for this skewered delight!

What makes this dish truly special isn’t just its simplicity, but how a handful of basic ingredients transform into something absolutely mouthwatering. At its core, chicken souvlaki is about quality ingredients, proper marination, and that distinctive Mediterranean char from grilling.

The Essential Components of Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

The Chicken

While you might be tempted to reach for chicken breasts, many Greek food enthusiasts (myself included!) prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for souvlaki. Here’s why:

• Thighs have higher fat content, keeping the meat moist during grilling
• They’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked
• The flavor is generally richer and more satisfying

That said, if you’re watching your fat intake, chicken breasts work too – just be extra careful not to overcook them!

The Marinade – Where the Magic Happens

The marinade is arguably the heart and soul of chicken souvlaki. A traditional Greek souvlaki marinade typically includes:

• Extra virgin olive oil – the backbone that helps distribute flavors
• Fresh lemon juice – for brightness and tenderizing
• Garlic – lots of it! Minced or pressed
• Dried oregano – the quintessential Greek herb
• Salt and pepper – to enhance all other flavors

Some recipes, like Alexandra Stafford’s popular version, incorporate generous amounts of fresh basil for an aromatic twist. Others might include ingredients like:

• Thyme or rosemary
• Dijon mustard for tanginess
• Paprika or cumin for different flavor profiles

The key is allowing enough marination time – at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-24 hours for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

The Skewers

Traditionally, souvlaki is threaded onto wooden or metal skewers before grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Metal skewers conduct heat well and can help cook the chicken from the inside too.

Interestingly, while skewering is traditional, many home cooks (including Alexandra from Alexandra’s Kitchen) sometimes skip this step for weeknight convenience, simply grilling marinated chicken thighs whole.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

The beauty of chicken souvlaki lies in its versatility. Here are the most popular ways to enjoy it:

The Classic Pita Wrap

Perhaps the most beloved way to serve chicken souvlaki is wrapped in warm pita bread with various toppings:

• Tzatziki sauce (cucumber-yogurt sauce)
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Sometimes french fries (yes, inside the wrap!)
• A sprinkle of oregano and olive oil

The Plated Meal

For a sit-down dinner, souvlaki can be served as part of a larger Greek feast:

• Skewers arranged on a platter
• Side of tzatziki for dipping
• Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and olives
• Warm pita bread
• Sometimes with a side of rice or roasted potatoes

Alexandra Stafford suggests a beautiful presentation where tzatziki is smeared on a platter with the souvlaki placed on top – a stunning way to serve this dish to guests!

The History Behind the Skewer

Souvlaki isn’t just delicious – it’s ancient! The practice of grilling skewered meat dates back to ancient Greece, with references appearing in texts from thousands of years ago. What we know as modern souvlaki has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultures and cooking techniques throughout the Mediterranean region.

Today, you’ll find souvlaki being served everywhere from bustling Athens street corners to high-end restaurants across the world – a testament to its enduring appeal and wonderful flavors.

Making Chicken Souvlaki at Home – A Simple Guide

One of the best things about chicken souvlaki is how approachable it is for home cooking. Here’s a streamlined method based on Alexandra Stafford’s popular recipe:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• Lots of fresh basil (at least 1 cup, packed)
• 3-6 cloves of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried oregano

The Process:

1. Create your marinade base: In a food processor, purée the garlic and basil into a fine paste. Add a splash of olive oil and pulse again.

2. Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken pieces with the garlic-basil paste in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 48 hours for maximum flavor).

3. Cook the chicken: You have options!

   • Grill method: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill on high heat (525°F-550°F) for about 3 minutes per side until nicely charred.
   • Broiler method: Place skewered chicken on a lightly oiled broiler pan or cooling rack set in a sheet pan. Broil on high for 5 minutes, flip, then broil 4-5 minutes more.

4. Serve: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with tzatziki, warm pita, lemon wedges, and a simple tomato or cucumber salad.

Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tips

Alternative Cooking Methods

Don’t have a grill or broiler? No problem! Chicken souvlaki adapts well to different cooking methods:

• Oven-baked: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Air fryer: Cook at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Stovetop grill pan: Cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.

Not Just Chicken!

While we’re focusing on chicken souvlaki here, the technique works beautifully with:

• Pork tenderloin (a very popular alternative in Greece)
• Lamb
• Firm fish like swordfish or salmon
• Halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option

Make-Ahead Tips

Souvlaki is perfect for meal prep:

• Marinated chicken keeps well for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator
• Cooked souvlaki can be frozen for 2-3 months
• Make a big batch of tzatziki in advance – it actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight

Common Questions About Chicken Souvlaki

Is chicken souvlaki healthy?

Generally, yes! Chicken souvlaki is high in protein, and when served with vegetables and tzatziki, it makes for a well-balanced meal. The marinade uses heart-healthy olive oil, and grilling allows excess fat to drip away.

What’s the difference between chicken souvlaki and chicken gyros?

While both are Greek chicken dishes often served with similar accompaniments, they differ in preparation:

• Souvlaki: Consists of marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers
• Gyros: Made from seasoned meat (often chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices

Is chicken souvlaki gluten-free?

The marinated chicken itself is typically gluten-free. However, be careful about accompaniments – traditional pita contains gluten. For a gluten-free meal, serve the chicken with gluten-free pita alternatives or over a salad.

Why We Love Chicken Souvlaki

There’s something magical about this simple dish that transcends its humble ingredients. Maybe it’s the way the charred exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful meat inside. Or perhaps it’s how it brings together a complete meal with contrasting flavors and textures – the cool creaminess of tzatziki against the warm, herby chicken.

For me, souvlaki represents what’s best about Mediterranean cooking: quality ingredients, simple preparation, bold flavors, and food that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it at a beachside taverna in Greece or in your own backyard, chicken souvlaki delivers an authentic taste of Greek cuisine that’s hard to beat.

Next time you’re craving something special yet achievable for dinner, give chicken souvlaki a try. With just a handful of ingredients and some advance planning for marination, you’ll be transported to the sunny shores of Greece with every delicious bite!