Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Welcome to an extraordinary culinary journey where we delve into the mouthwatering world of souvlaki – a delectable Mediterranean delight that captures hearts with its rich flavors and irresistible aromas.

Today, I’ll show you how to create this amazing dish, perfect for the next time you fire up the grill. With a combination of succulent chicken, aromatic herbs, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, souvlaki promises an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s dive into the magic of this Greek classic and unlock the secrets to making a perfect souvlaki right at home.

Marinade: Our souvlaki adventure begins with a tantalizing marinade that infuses the chicken with irresistible flavours. Start by soaking the skewers in water for at least an hour to prevent them from burning on the grill. Alternatively, plan ahead and soak them the night before for extra preparation. To create the marinade, gather two sprigs of rosemary, a small handful of thyme, and three garlic cloves. Strip the rosemary leaves from the stem and bruise the thyme by rubbing it between your hands to release its fragrant aroma. Slice the garlic in half lengthwise and break it between your fingers to unleash its flavors. Add two tablespoons of red wine vinegar this could also be white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Use your hands to squeeze and masticate the mixture, awakening the aromatics to create the foundation of our mouthwatering flavour.

Chicken Preparation: When preparing the chicken thighs, a small paring knife is the ideal choice for home cooks. Start with removing the skin from the thighs, leaving the fat intact to enhance moisture. Next, debone the thighs, using the natural shape of the meat to create evenly sized pieces of chicken.

Marinating the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the marinade and coat them well with the flavours. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or, for optimum taste, up to four hours. This allows the vinegar to work its magic and tenderize the meat.

Tzatziki: The Essential Accompaniment: While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the quintessential Greek tzatziki sauce. Start by grating half a cucumber, leaving about 50% of the skin for texture. Add a pinch of salt to the grated cucumber and let it drain to eliminate excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine one clove of pureed garlic, one tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and approximately 250 grams (1 cup) of thick Greek yoghurt. Ensure your yoghurt is thick enough, or strain it in cheesecloth for a few hours. Add the cucumber and mix well, seasoning with cracked black pepper. Adjust the thickness with extra virgin olive oil as needed. Now your tzatziki is cooling, slightly acidic, with a delightful garlic essence.

Grilling the Souvlaki: Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time for the sizzling action. Heat your grill to just above medium heat, approximately level six out of ten. Skewer the marinated chicken tightly onto the skewers to keep it moist and evenly cooked. Grill the souvlaki for about 10 minutes, rotating the skewers to ensure even cooking on all sides. When the internal temperature reaches 80°C (175°F), your juicy souvlaki is ready to rest. Resting and Assembling: Allow the souvlaki to rest for at least half the cooking time, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Toast your pita bread and start assembling your souvlaki wrap. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki, a few slices of tomato, and your flavorful souvlaki. Top it off with finely sliced red onion or shallots for a fresh burst of flavor.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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You've unlocked the secrets to creating a truly delicious wonder of grease - the incredible souvlaki! Bursting with Mediterranean flavours and unforgettable textures, this Greek classic is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With the perfect combination of marinade, tzatziki, and grilling expertise, you've mastered the art of creating a tantalizing souvlaki experience at home. So, next time you fire up the grill, embrace the magic of souvlaki and savour every delightful bite! Enjoy your culinary journey and happy grilling!

Ingredients

• 4 x Skin on chicken thighs
• 2 large sprigs of rosemary
• 1 small handful of thyme
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Extra virgin Olive oil
• For the Tzatziki:
• 250g Thick greek yoghurt
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Soak skewers in water for at least 1 hour (if using wooden skewers)
2. Prepare marinade by mixing together 2 sprigs of rosemary, a small handful of thyme, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Crush ingredients together with your hands or a rolling pin/mortar and pestle to release flavours.
3. Prepare chicken thighs by removing the skin and deboning. Cut into evenly sized pieces.
4. Place chicken pieces in the marinade and let sit for at least 1 hour.
5. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers and grill over an open flame until cooked through.
6. Serve with warm pita bread and a Greek salad.