Chicken Souvlaki

Summer is near, and that means it is time to get ready for grilling season!  To continue with my Greek recipes, here is one that you can add to your summer recipe collection.

Souvlaki is a popular Greek meal consisting of small pieces of marinated meat, and sometimes vegetables, grilled on a skewer.  It is usually served directly on the skewer, in a pita sandwich, or with Greek potatoes.  Souvlaki can be made with pork, chicken, lamb, and beef.

So, while this may just sound like shish kabobs, the marinade is the super star of this dish.  The Greek "trinity of flavors" (lemon, oregano, and thyme) add incredible flavor to the chicken and vegetables, and it  is a great meal to enjoy on a warm, sunny summer day.

Chicken Souvlaki

Ingredients:
Marinade:
4 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red onion, diced

Souvlaki Sticks:
1 lb. chicken, cubed
Vegetables (red onion, bell peppers), cubed, optional
Wooden skewers, for grilling

Directions:
Whisk the marinade ingredients together.  Place the cubed chicken and cubed vegetables in a large resealable plastic bag, pour marinade into the bag, and seal bag.  Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour (overnight preferred).  Soak your wooden skewers in water while the chicken marinates.

Preheat an outdoor grill (or indoor grill) for medium heat.  Once the chicken has finished marinating, place the chicken onto the wooden skewers, and alternate with the peppers and onions, if using.  Keep left over marinade for basting.  Grill on medium heat evenly on both sides until the middle is white but still juicy.  Baste using extra marinade.

Once chicken has finished cooking, serve with warmed pita bread and tzatziki.

Source: Adapted from Seemingly Greek