Greek Chicken Souvlaki Platter
Highlighted under: Clean & Simple Meals
A delicious and vibrant platter featuring marinated chicken skewers served with fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and warm pita bread.
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Platter is perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner. The chicken is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, making it incredibly flavorful and juicy. Served with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki, this dish is a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Succulent chicken infused with Mediterranean flavors
- Fresh and colorful vegetables add a healthy crunch
- Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing
The Perfect Marinade
The key to mouthwatering chicken souvlaki lies in the marinade. This blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano not only enhances the chicken's natural flavors but also keeps it juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. The acidity from the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more succulent. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, letting it sit for a couple of hours will yield even more flavorful results.
Experimenting with the marinade is also fun! Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Adjusting the seasonings to your taste makes this dish adaptable and personal, ensuring that each bite is just as you like it.
Serving Suggestions
A Greek chicken souvlaki platter is not just a meal; it's an experience meant to be shared. The vibrant colors and textures on the platter invite everyone to dig in, making it perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Pairing the skewers with fresh pita bread and a variety of toppings like sliced tomatoes, red onions, and crisp lettuce adds both flavor and nutrition to the meal.
For a complete Greek experience, consider serving your souvlaki with a side Greek salad. The crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and feta cheese bring additional freshness and a variety of flavors that complement the skewers beautifully. This makes for a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in luck! The chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the flavors intact, make sure to store the tzatziki sauce separately. This allows you to enjoy the dish again without compromising the quality of the sauce.
Reheating is simple; just place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water can help rehydrate the chicken, keeping it juicy. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick lunch or a delicious snack!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce
Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Platter
On a large serving platter, arrange the grilled chicken, warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Platter with friends and family!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Nutritional Benefits
This Greek chicken souvlaki platter is loaded with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Pairing it with fresh vegetables not only enhances the dish's flavor but also boosts its fiber content, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce adds probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. The healthy fats from olive oil enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. This dish is a wholesome option that satisfies cravings while nourishing your body.
Cultural Significance
Souvlaki is a beloved dish in Greek cuisine, often enjoyed at family gatherings, festivals, and street food stalls. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where skewered meat was a popular method of cooking. Today, it represents a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and the communal spirit of sharing food with loved ones.
In Greece, souvlaki is often served with a side of pita and various accompaniments, making it a versatile meal suitable for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a local taverna or prepared at home, it brings a taste of Greece to your table, making it a wonderful choice for any dinner party or casual get-together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or even shrimp.
→ How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for the best flavor.
→ Can I make the tzatziki in advance?
Yes, tzatziki can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What can I serve with the platter?
You can serve the platter with a Greek salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Platter
A delicious and vibrant platter featuring marinated chicken skewers served with fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and warm pita bread.
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.
In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
On a large serving platter, arrange the grilled chicken, warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g