Master the art: bbq chicken souvlaki in 5 easy steps

Are you craving the tantalizing flavors of authentic Greek souvlaki? If so, this comprehensive guide will teach you how to grill mouthwatering chicken souvlaki that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Athens. Follow these simple steps and master the art of this beloved culinary delicacy.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

Cut the red onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.

4. Skewer the Ingredients:

Thread the marinated chicken cubes and vegetables onto the wooden skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.

5. Grill the Souvlaki:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. Baste the Souvlaki:

As the souvlaki cooks, baste it occasionally with the remaining marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the souvlaki from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or hummus.

Tips for Perfect Souvlaki:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Grill the souvlaki over medium-high heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Baste the souvlaki regularly to keep it moist and prevent burning.
• Serve the souvlaki immediately with a refreshing dipping sauce.

Variations:

• Lamb Souvlaki: Replace the chicken with lamb cubes for a more traditional Greek flavor.
• Pork Souvlaki: Use pork cubes instead of chicken for a slightly richer taste.
• Vegetable Souvlaki: Create a vegetarian version by skewering only vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

The Finishing Touch: Dipping Sauces

Complement your grilled souvlaki with a flavorful dipping sauce to enhance the flavors:

• Tzatziki: A classic Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
• Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Skordalia: A Greek garlic sauce made with potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Wrapping Up: A Culinary Journey to Greece

With this step-by-step guide, you now possess the knowledge to grill mouthwatering chicken souvlaki that will impress your friends and family. Experiment with different variations and dipping sauces to create a culinary experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Greece. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A1: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.

Q2: What type of grill should I use?
A2: You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or electric grill. Make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat before grilling the souvlaki.

Q3: How do I know when the souvlaki is cooked through?
A3: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.