Marinated Greek Chicken Kebabs without Yogurt (Souvlaki)
Greek chicken kebab without yogurt or Souvlaki is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The dish is made with tender chicken that is marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. The kebabs are then grilled to perfection, creating a delicious smoky flavor that is sure to please.To prepare Greek chicken kebab without yogurt, you will need chicken breast, lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and vegetables such as red onions. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated in the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. The vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces and skewered onto kebab sticks with the marinated chicken. The kebabs are then grilled on a hot grill until they are cooked through and slightly charred.This dish is perfect for a simple and healthy dinner or as a party appetizer. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 6 servings
Calories
- 70 oz skinless boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 1 small red onion (20 g/0.7 oz)
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp rosemary leaves or dried rosemary
- ½ tsp thyme leaves or dried thyme (you can use tarragon instead)
- ½ tsp citronella leaves or the juice from a lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
remove the bone and skin from the chicken breast or chicken thighs if needed, then dice the chicken into medium-sized pieces.
peel the onion off, then chop it very finely.
place the chicken breast into a bowl and add over it chopped onions.
season with salt and pepper to taste.
finely chop some aromatic herb leaves and squeeze the juice from the lemon, then add them to the bowl.
pour the olive oil into the bowl, then combine the ingredients very well.
cover the bowl with food foil and place it into the fridge for at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken breast (recommended.)
remove the bowl from the fridge and the foil.
place some chicken breast pieces on skewers side by side but leave some space between them and also on both ends of the skewers so you can pick them up by hand.
grill the Greek chicken kebabs on the gas or coal grill or even in the oven about 3-4 minutes/side or until golden.
serve the kebabs immediately along with your preferred side dish or dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
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When marinating the chicken, make sure to mix the ingredients well and evenly coat the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful and tender.
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Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent the kebabs from sticking to the grill.
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To ensure that the chicken cook evenly, make sure that they are cut into similar-sized pieces.
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For added flavor, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint over the kebabs right before serving.
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Serve the Greek chicken kebabs with a side of tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
What can I use instead of yogurt in the marinade for Souvlaki?
You can substitute yogurt with alternatives like olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar to create a non-dairy marinade. These ingredients help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best results?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will yield more flavorful and tender chicken skewers.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for Souvlaki?
While chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. To prevent them from drying out during grilling, be mindful of cooking time and consider pounding them to an even thickness.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This prevents the skewers from catching fire and ensures they hold up during grilling.
Can I prepare Souvlaki in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can prepare Souvlaki in advance and reheat it. Store the cooked chicken skewers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their flavor and tenderness.
➡️ The Greeks are experts in preparing grilled chicken, and marinated chicken skewers without yogurt or Souvlaki are exceptional. In addition, they are straightforward to prepare and ready to serve in a short time, so I recommend trying my Greek chicken kebab recipe as soon as possible! You will not regret it! Enjoy making marinated chicken skewers from scratch! For additional info, read more about the chicken skewer origins here.
