The robust flavors and fresh ingredients that are hallmarks of Greek cuisine may be found in souvlaki as well.
This resource is part of our Top 8 Homemade Keto Meals for a Healthy Lifestyle series
The Greek dish known as souvlaki is often prepared by grilling meat that has been marinated in a special sauce. It is a Greek street food that everyone loves.
This recipe is going to blow your mind since it has the ideal combination of flavors, including garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs, and it strikes the perfect balance.
Is Chicken Souvlaki A Keto Dish?
The appeal of a ketogenic diet lies in its focus on high-fat, low-carb foods that encourage fat burning and weight loss.
However, keto compatibility may initially appear doubtful when it comes to well-known foods like chicken souvlaki.
Many people enjoy the tempting option of chicken souvlaki, a typical Greek cuisine that consists of skewered and grilled pieces of chicken, frequently served with veggies and a tangy tzatziki sauce. I t is a very popular street foods
However, the crucial question is still unanswered: can a ketogenic diet accommodate this carb-restricted Mediterranean treat?
Preparation, ingredients, and portion management are key factors in the solution.
While chicken souvlaki may appear to be a carb-heavy splurge, a few clever modifications can make it a keto-friendly pleasure.
Choosing lean chicken recipe parts and marinating them in olive oil, lemon juice, and Mediterranean seasonings gives the dish taste without adding too many carbohydrates.
To reduce your carb intake, substitute a bed of fresh greens or cauliflower rice for the standard pita wrap.
The essential component of this dish, tzatziki sauce, can still be used; just pick one with full-fat yogurt and limit the amount of sugar.
Ultimately, you can enjoy the flavor of tender chicken souvlaki while adhering to your keto goals by choosing your ingredients carefully and making a few inventive changes.
Here are our actual ingredient choices down below:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- White vinegar or white wine vinegar (optional)
- Fresh cucumbers (optional)
Cooking Instructions For Chicken Souvlaki:
Step 1: Combine the following ingredients in a bowl to make the marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Toss the flavorful chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. You can either place plastic wrap over the bowl or transfer everything into a zip-top bag.
For enhanced flavors, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours, or ideally overnight.
Step 3: To prevent the wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for approximately 30 minutes before grilling.
Step 4: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use your oven’s broiler function.
Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly along the skewers.
Step 6: Next, the cooking time. Grill the chicken skewers for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nicely seared exterior.
If you’re using the broiler, place the skewers on a baking sheet covered with foil and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
Step 7: While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill for about a minute on each side. The goal is to lightly brown and soften the bread.
Step 8: Once the chicken is cooked and the pita breads are warmed, remove the skewers from the grill.
Step 9: To assemble the dish, place the warm pita bread or flatbread on a serving plate. Top it with the grilled chicken souvlaki.
Step 10: Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions over the grilled chicken.
Step 11: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients. This tangy sauce will add a delightful flavor to the dish.
Step 12: Carefully fold the pita bread over the chicken and toppings, creating a wrap-like presentation.
What To Serve With Chicken Souvlaki
Embark on a gastronomic voyage to the sun-soaked beaches of the Greek islands with the delightful and delectable creation known as souvlaki.
Each delectable morsel of succulent, marinated chicken breast is imbued with the tantalizing aromas and tastes of the Mediterranean, beautifully encapsulating the essence of Greek restaurant culinary artistry.
As we lovingly enfold the souvlaki within a warm, soft pita bread, harmonizing textures and flavors converge to craft a fully immersive experience.
Accompanying the chicken, a harmonious blend of freshly crisp ingredients, including lettuce, sun-ripened tomatoes, and vibrant red onions, nestles alongside, providing a revitalizing contrast that gracefully dances across the taste buds.
However, the pièce de résistance undoubtedly lies in a generous dollop of velvety tzatziki sauce, expertly drizzled atop the dish.
With every mouthful, a symphony of flavors unfolds, owing to the creamy tang of yogurt interwoven with delicate hints of garlic and dill.
Enhance the outdoor dining affair by grilling the marinated delights to perfection, and complete the ensemble with a side of traditional Greek salad, adorned with a delicate splash of wine vinegar for a tangy kick.
To make the culinary expedition seamless, consult the recipe card for precise prep times, ensuring a smooth execution of this divine feast.
Tips for Delicious Chicken Souvlaki
Certainly, here are some tips to help you make delicious chicken souvlaki:
- Marination Magic: Give the chicken ample time to marinate in the flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Allowing it to marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight, enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat.
- Cut Consistency: When cutting the chicken into pieces for skewering, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Wooden Skewer Soak: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents the skewers from burning on the grill or in the oven.
- Balanced Heat: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for that perfect sear without drying out the chicken. If using an oven’s broiler, position the rack so the skewers are at an optimal distance from the heat source.
- Searing Satisfaction: Grill the chicken skewers for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they have a nicely seared exterior. This not only imparts a delicious flavor but also ensures that the chicken is cooked through.
With these tips in mind, your chicken souvlaki is bound to be a hit, whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or serving it up at a gathering.
