Irresistible Baked Chicken Souvlaki – Easy Greek Recipe

Here’s a delightful recipe for Baked Chicken Souvlaki that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, marinated in lemony goodness, sizzling away in your oven while you try to keep your drool under control. Seriously, this dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day.

Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with souvlaki. It was a sunny summer afternoon at a local festival where the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and spices. I remember thinking, “Why don’t I make this at home?” Well, today is your lucky day because I’m sharing my secret recipe for Baked Chicken Souvlaki that’s as easy as pie—if pies were made of chicken and deliciousness!

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Souvlaki

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they add a robust aroma to your marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and ensures that the chicken stays moist while cooking.
• Oregano: Dried oregano provides that authentic Greek flavor; it’s like sunshine in herb form!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Chicken Souvlaki

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so that nothing sticks like an uninvited guest at a party.

Step 2: Prepare Your Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until well blended—like that epic dance move you nailed at last year’s wedding.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the marinade. Make sure every piece gets coated nicely—just like when you’re trying to cover every inch of your toast with butter.

Step 4: Let It Soak

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re feeling fancy). This step is crucial because it allows all those flavors to mingle like old friends catching up over coffee.

Step 5: Bake Time

Arrange your marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell so good you’ll want to invite everyone over—even that neighbor who borrowed your lawnmower three years ago.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Transfer the baked chicken souvlaki onto plates and drizzle with any remaining marinade or serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping. Add some colorful veggies on the side for those Instagram-worthy shots—because let’s face it; we eat with our eyes first!

Now you’ve got yourself a plate full of Baked Chicken Souvlaki that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—or thirds! Enjoy this delightful dish during family gatherings, casual dinners, or even when you’re binge-watching your favorite show (no judgments here!).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results, start by marinating your chicken for at least an hour. While it soaks in the flavors, chop your veggies and prepare any side dishes. Finally, bake the chicken until golden and juicy to ensure everything is ready at once.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for beef or turkey if the mood strikes you. Want a zing? Add some lemon zest or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can even toss in your favorite vegetables for added color and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.

Sharing this recipe at a family barbecue turned out to be a hit! Everyone couldn’t stop talking about how tender and flavorful the chicken was, making me feel like a culinary superstar.

FAQs:

What is Baked Chicken Souvlaki?

Baked Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful Greek dish made with marinated chicken pieces that are skewered and baked to perfection. The marinade typically includes ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs such as oregano. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to serve it with pita bread, salads, or rice. The baking method keeps the chicken juicy while enhancing its flavors without the need for grilling.

How can I serve Baked Chicken Souvlaki?

You can serve Baked Chicken Souvlaki in various ways. Consider placing it on a warm pita along with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers for a delightful wrap. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of rice with a side of tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic for dipping. Another option is to pair it with a Greek salad for a light meal bursting with flavor.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even beef. Adjusting the cooking time may be necessary depending on the type of meat used. Ensure that you marinate the meat well to infuse flavors similar to those found in traditional chicken souvlaki. Each variation offers its unique taste while maintaining the essence of the dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of Baked Chicken Souvlaki?

Yes! You can create a vegetarian version by using firm tofu or tempeh as an alternative to chicken. Marinate them in the same mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for maximum flavor. Skewering vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions alongside the tofu adds variety and color to your dish while keeping everything delicious and satisfying.

Conclusion for Baked Chicken Souvlaki:

Baked Chicken Souvlaki is an exquisite dish that highlights tender marinated chicken cooked in an oven for easy preparation. Ideal for various meals, it pairs wonderfully with pita bread or salads. This recipe allows flexibility in meat choices and even accommodates vegetarian options using tofu or tempeh. With its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, Baked Chicken Souvlaki will surely become a favorite in your kitchen—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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Baked Chicken Souvlaki

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Baked Chicken Souvlaki is a mouthwatering Greek dish that captures the essence of flavorful marinated chicken baked to perfection. With a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, this dish is both easy to prepare and versatile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it with warm pita bread, fresh veggies, or a side of tzatziki for a delightful meal that transports your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade until well coated.
4. Transfer marinated chicken to the baking dish in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve with remaining marinade or tzatziki sauce and colorful veggies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 125mg