Sophie Bennett
Chicken souvlaki, or chicken kabobs, are a popular Mediterranean dish. This Greek dish is made by marinating chicken in a combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices, and then threading the meat onto skewers and grilling it. It is often served with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad, and can be accompanied by pita bread or rice. Chicken souvlaki is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for summertime grilling and can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as yogurt, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicken Souvlaki, Chicken Kabobs, Chicken Shish Kabobs |
| Origin | Greece, Middle East |
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, Yogurt, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic, Spices |
| Preparation Method | Marinate chicken, thread onto skewers, grill |
| Sides | Greek Salad, Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki Sauce |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
To make Greek chicken souvlaki, start by preparing the marinade. Cut the chicken breasts into 2-3 cm pieces and place them in a large bowl, along with all the marinade ingredients. Use your hands to mix well, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. The marinade should include extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, and white wine.
After marinating the chicken, thread the pieces onto skewers. It is essential to thread the pieces loosely, rather than tightly together, to allow the chicken to cook evenly. Grill the chicken on a medium-high heat grill until it is perfectly juicy and charred.
To serve, wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives. Greeks also often serve chicken souvlaki with potato wedges topped with feta and herbs.
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Marinating the Chicken
To make a Mediterranean-style chicken on a stick, you can follow a Greek chicken souvlaki recipe, or make Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs. Here is a guide to marinating the chicken for these recipes.
Firstly, trim the chicken of any excess fat and gristle. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavourful than chicken breasts, and they are less likely to dry out. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-1.5 inches in length.
Next, prepare the marinade. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon, and garlic will add loads of tangy, savory flavour to the chicken. You can also add herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme for extra pizazz. Another option is to use a yoghurt-based marinade, which will make the chicken tender and succulent. Combine Greek yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and spices in a bowl. You can also add paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Once the marinade is ready, place the chicken pieces into the bowl and let them sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For a more intense flavour, cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight.
When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Before cooking, give the chicken a shake to remove any remaining excess marinade. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with red onions. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent them from burning.
Now you are ready to grill your Mediterranean chicken on a stick!
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Grilling the Chicken
Grilled chicken on a stick is a simple and delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. One popular method is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. This gives the chicken a delicious Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavour.
To begin, trim any excess fat and gristle from 2.5 to 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. You can use kitchen shears or a knife for this step, although shears are easier. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt and spices, stirring to form a marinade. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade, turning the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Squeeze out the excess air and seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight.
When you are ready to grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with red onion. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent them from charring. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and brush with any remaining marinade.
To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, lightly grease the grill grates by dipping a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and carefully rubbing it over the grates with tongs. You can also rub the chicken with oil before placing it on the grill. Grill the chicken skewers for 13 to 15 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Your Mediterranean chicken on a stick is now ready to serve! It goes well with a Greek salad, rice pilaf, or a variety of other Mediterranean sides and salads. Enjoy!
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Tzatziki Sauce
Mediterranean-style grilled chicken on a stick is known as Chicken Souvlaki. It is often served with tzatziki sauce, a popular Greek sauce. Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made with strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can be used as a spread or dip for homemade pita and veggies. It can also be served with sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, fish, or as a topping for falafel or flatbread.
To prepare the cucumber, it is grated and then squeezed to remove excess water, which would otherwise make the sauce too runny. The cucumber is then mixed with the other ingredients, and the sauce is allowed to sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance, as the flavors will mellow and improve. It is a delicious and versatile sauce that can enhance various dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches and salads.
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Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, such as France, Spain, Greece, and Italy. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, and may offer several health benefits.
There are no strict rules for adhering to the Mediterranean diet, but some general guidelines suggest focusing on healthy plant-based foods and moderate amounts of dairy, fish, or seafood. It excludes highly processed foods and meats. A typical week on the Mediterranean diet might include the following:
Breakfast
Greek yogurt with strawberries and chia seeds
Lunch
Whole grain sandwich with hummus and vegetables
Dinner
- Tuna salad with greens, olive oil, and fruit salad
- Mediterranean pizza made with whole wheat pita bread, cheese, vegetables, and olives
- Chicken souvlaki skewers with tzatziki sauce, served with Greek salad, orzo salad, or other Mediterranean sides
Snacks
- Pita chips
- Dolmas (Greek vine leaves stuffed with herby rice)
- Hummus
- Salads
The Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits. It may help manage weight, protect the heart, and prevent diabetes and chronic conditions. Additionally, it can stabilize blood sugar levels, enhance brain function, and reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory food components.
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Frequently asked questions
Mediterranean chicken on a stick is called Greek Chicken Souvlaki.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is made with chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. The chicken is then threaded onto skewers and grilled. It is typically served with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
You can make your own tzatziki sauce or buy it from a store. To make it at home, you will need Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is often served with a Greek salad, orzo salad, Balela, Fattoush, Grilled Zucchini Salad, or Watermelon Salad. It can also be served with Greek pita bread or fries.
