Escape To Greece With Our Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: An Australian Twist On A Mediterranean Classic

Are you looking for a deliciously authentic chicken souvlaki recipe Australia? Look no further! This mouthwatering dish is a staple of Greek cuisine, and now you can easily recreate it in your own backyard. With its succulent, tender chicken, flavorful marinade, and tangy tzatziki sauce, this chicken souvlaki recipe Australia will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. 1.5 kilograms boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3. 1/4 cup lemon juice
4. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
5. 2 tablespoons dried oregano
6. 2 tablespoons dried thyme
7. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
8. 1 teaspoon salt
9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10. 12 wooden skewers
11. 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
12. 1 green capsicum, cut into 1-inch pieces
13. 1 yellow capsicum, cut into 1-inch pieces
14. 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

3. Prepare the Skewers:

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

4. Assemble the Skewers:

• Thread the chicken pieces, onion, and capsicum pieces onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients.

5. Grill the Souvlaki:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Stir until well combined and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve the Chicken Souvlaki:

• Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with the tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

• Use high-quality chicken: The quality of the chicken will significantly impact the final dish, so choose fresh, free-range chicken whenever possible.

• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and liquids helps tenderize and infuse it with delicious flavors.

• Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to mix and match different vegetables for your souvlaki. Some popular options include zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.

• Grill the souvlaki over medium-high heat: This will help create a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so be careful not to grill it for too long.

• Serve the souvlaki with a variety of accompaniments: Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad are all classic accompaniments to chicken souvlaki.

Variations on the Classic Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken Souvlaki with Halloumi: Add grilled halloumi cheese to your skewers for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

• Chicken Souvlaki with Feta: Crumbled feta cheese can be added to the tzatziki sauce or sprinkled on top of the grilled souvlaki.

• Chicken Souvlaki with Vegetables: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.

• Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Herb Marinade: Instead of the marinade in the recipe, try a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme.

• Chicken Souvlaki with Spicy Marinade: Add a kick of heat to your souvlaki by using a marinade with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

The Perfect Accompaniments for Chicken Souvlaki

• Tzatziki Sauce: This classic Greek yogurt sauce is a must-have accompaniment for chicken souvlaki.

• Pita Bread: Serve the souvlaki wrapped in pita bread, along with some grilled vegetables and tzatziki sauce.

• Greek Salad: A fresh and flavorful Greek salad is the perfect side dish for chicken souvlaki.

• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are a delicious and filling side dish that pairs well with souvlaki.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms are a healthy and flavorful addition to your souvlaki platter.

Beyond the Grill: Alternative Cooking Methods

• Pan-Fried Chicken Souvlaki: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can pan-fry the souvlaki in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Baked Chicken Souvlaki: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the souvlaki skewers for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

• Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the souvlaki skewers for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Health Benefits of Chicken Souvlaki

• Lean Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source that is low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients.

• Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in the marinade and tzatziki sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken souvlaki is a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium.

• Antioxidants: The herbs and spices used in the marinade and tzatziki sauce are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.

• Heart-Healthy: The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants in chicken souvlaki makes it a heart-healthy dish.

Recommendations: A Taste of Greece at Home

With its succulent chicken, flavorful marinade, and tangy tzatziki sauce, this chicken souvlaki recipe Australia will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. Whether you’re grilling it in your backyard or pan-frying it in your kitchen, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let’s get cooking!

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

• Q: What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
• A: The best way to marinate the chicken is to combine it with the marinade in a large bowl, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the chicken and make it more flavorful.

• Q: How long should I grill the chicken souvlaki?
• A: The chicken souvlaki should be grilled for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

• Q: What is the best way to serve chicken souvlaki?
• A: Chicken souvlaki is typically served with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.