Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki - A Mediterranean Grilled Delight

Welcome to the world of Mediterranean flavors! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe, a perfect combination of juicy meat and fresh vegetables, all dressed in an aromatic marinade. This recipe is ideal for warm summer evenings or a gathering with friends, bringing a touch of sunshine and joy to your table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3 hours
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

For the marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of one fresh lemon
- 100 ml red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional, for a hint of freshness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the skewers:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into 3 cm cubes
- 1 red or green bell pepper, cut into 3 cm pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 3 cm pieces
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, whole

For the Tzatziki sauce:
- 1 natural yogurt (preferably Greek, for a creamy texture)
- ½ medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt, to taste

Preparing the marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine, chopped garlic, oregano, mint (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and aromatic marinade. This mixture will add a delightful flavor to your chicken.

Marinating the chicken

1. Add the chicken breast cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but ideally, let it marinate overnight. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavor will be!

Preparing the skewers

1. Once the chicken has marinated, prepare the skewers. Start by alternating the chicken cubes, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes on the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between ingredients to allow heat to circulate and cook evenly.
2. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook them; you want the chicken to remain juicy and full of flavor.

Preparing the Tzatziki sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the natural yogurt with the grated cucumber (make sure you’ve drained it well), crushed garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth composition. This sauce will add a note of freshness and balance the intense flavors of the chicken.

Serving

1. On a flatbread, drizzled with a little olive oil and salt, place the chicken and vegetable skewers, then add a generous layer of Tzatziki sauce.
2. Roll the flatbread to form a delicious sandwich, full of diverse flavors and textures.

Helpful tips and variations

- You can add various vegetables to your skewers: zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant are excellent options.
- If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Try serving Chicken Souvlaki with a fresh Greek salad or a side of lemon rice for a balanced lunch.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The Tzatziki sauce, made from yogurt, is rich in probiotics, beneficial for the digestive system. This recipe can be a healthy choice, with moderate calorie content, depending on the serving sizes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use pork or lamb?
Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe using pork or lamb, and the marinade will add a delicious flavor.

2. How can I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Place the skewers on the grill when it is well heated and monitor the cooking time. The thinner they are, the quicker they cook.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to consume within the next 2 days. We recommend reheating them on the grill to restore their juiciness.

I encourage you to experiment with this Chicken Souvlaki recipe and personalize your dish according to your preferences. Whether you serve it at a family meal or at a party with friends, I am sure it will be a success! So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the Mediterranean flavors!