Ingredients:

– 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pita bread, for serving
– Tzatziki sauce, for serving
– Greek salad, for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinating the chicken:

– In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a thick marinade.
– Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This step allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken, resulting in a succulent and tender finish.

2. Preparing the skewers:

– If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
– Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. You can also alternate with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes to add an extra burst of flavor and vibrancy.

3. Grilling the souvlaki:

– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Place the skewers on the grill grates, ensuring they are not touching each other. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remember to turn the skewers occasionally for even grilling.

4. Assembling the dish:

– Remove the cooked souvlaki skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
– While the chicken is resting, warm your pita bread on the grill or in a lightly oiled pan until it’s slightly toasted and pliable.
– To serve, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita bread. Slide the tender chicken pieces off the skewers and place them on top of the sauce.
– Complete the experience by adding a side of refreshing Greek salad, traditionally made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.

Tips and Variations:

– If you’re short on time, you can still achieve great flavor by marinating the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. However, longer marination enhances the taste.
– For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same flavors. Grilling until charred gives them a delightful smokiness.
– Feel free to customize your Greek salad by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even tossing in some baby spinach leaves for added nutritional value.
– If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! You can still enjoy this dish by using an indoor grill pan or even baking the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 20 minutes.

Conclusion:

Greek Chicken Souvlaki captures the essence of Greece, bringing together the flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple and satisfying dish. As you savor each bite, you’ll be transported to sun-kissed shores and ancient ruins. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a Sunday gathering or craving a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will become an instant favorite. So, embrace the Mediterranean magic and create a culinary experience influenced by the rich Greek culture. Opa!