Greek Chicken Skewers

Greek chicken skewers, or souvlaki, are a quintessential Mediterranean dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your plate. This entree combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of colorful sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish and its accompanying sides.

The Recipe:

Greek Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

Detailed Preparation:

• To make the best Greek chicken skewers, start with high-quality chicken breast. Cutting the chicken into uniform cubes ensures even cooking.
• The marinade is key to infusing flavor, so don’t rush this step. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 to avoid mushy texture.
• When grilling, maintain a medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying out the chicken. If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them to prevent burning.
• For a time-saving tip, prepare the marinade and cut the chicken the night before.

Variations:

• Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers
• Add cubes of bell pepper and red onion between chicken pieces
• Try a yogurt-based marinade for a tangier flavor
• Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping

Tips:

• Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken
• Avoid uneven cutting, as it can lead to inconsistent cooking
• Don’t forget to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Eggplant:

• Slice eggplant into rounds, steam for 10-15 minutes until tender.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and herbs before serving.

Orzo Pasta Salad:

• Cook orzo according to package instructions.
• Toss with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley and mint for extra flavor.

Honeydew Melon Balls:

• Use a melon baller to scoop out small spheres of honeydew melon.
• Chill before serving for a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes.

Equipment & Ingredients:

By assembling these ingredients and tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create this delicious Greek-inspired meal in your own kitchen. Purchasing these items on Amazon may be necessary to successfully make this dish at home:

Equipment:

• Bamboo Skewers
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Melon Baller
• Grill Pan
• Steamer Basket
• Lemon Juicer
• Herb Scissors

Ingredients:

• Greek Olive Oil
• Dried Greek Oregano
• Orzo Pasta

The combination of grilled chicken skewers with refreshing sides offers a balanced and flavorful dining experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a special family dinner.