Before diving in, you need to know something: this souvlaki recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s genuinely that good. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, chargrilled chicken, infused with the bright flavors of lemon and oregano. Now picture that combined with crispy oven-baked fries sprinkled with salty feta, a tangy mustard aioli, quick-pickled lemon onions, and refreshing cucumber and parsley, all lovingly wrapped in pillowy soft pita bread. Are you hungry yet? This isn’t just food; it’s a taste of Souvlaki Street perfection, right in your own kitchen.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki | The Sugar Hit
Let’s address the question of authenticity right away. While I can’t claim to be a Greek native or a seasoned traveler to Greece, the inspiration for this recipe comes from the vibrant Greek food culture that thrives in places like Australia. Cities outside of Greece, like Melbourne, boast large Greek communities, and with them, comes incredible food traditions. Even here, away from those major hubs, the influence of Greek cuisine is undeniable and delicious. This recipe captures that spirit of souvlaki street food, adapting it for the home cook without compromising on flavor or experience.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki | The Sugar Hit
Now, you might be wondering, “Fries in souvlaki? Is that really a souvlaki street thing?” Prepare to have your culinary assumptions challenged! It turns out, adding fries to souvlaki is indeed a popular and authentic Greek street food experience. Don’t just take my word for it; a little research into Greek souvlaki reveals that fries are a welcome and traditional addition. And let’s be honest, fries make everything better, especially when nestled inside a warm pita with flavorful chicken and all the trimmings. They bring a satisfying crunch and heartiness that elevates the souvlaki street experience to another level.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki | The Sugar Hit
And these aren’t just any fries. We’re talking about oven-baked fries, crispy and golden, tossed immediately after cooking with a generous sprinkle of dried thyme, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. The salty, aromatic feta clinging to the hot fries is an absolute game-changer. Even on their own, these feta fries, paired with the lemon-oregano chicken and a fresh cucumber and parsley salad with those quick-pickled onions, would make a fantastic and satisfying gluten-free meal. But when combined in the souvlaki, they become an integral part of the souvlaki street food symphony.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki | The Sugar Hit
If you’re looking for a way to brighten your week, look no further. While this recipe has several components, don’t be intimidated. Each element is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare. No single step will take more than a few minutes. The most crucial part? Sourcing good quality pita bread. It needs to be soft and pliable – avoid the supermarket cardboard variety at all costs! If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pita bread truly elevates this souvlaki street dish. Regardless, make sure you give this recipe a try. You’re genuinely missing out on a taste of souvlaki street food heaven if you don’t!
Greek Chicken Souvlaki | The Sugar Hit
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Bring the Souvlaki Street Home
This recipe brings the authentic taste of souvlaki street food right to your kitchen. Marinated chicken, feta-herb fries, tangy mustard aioli, and zesty pickled onions, all wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s the ultimate flavorful and fun meal.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Feta Fries:
- 3-4 medium potatoes
- Canola oil (or high smoke point oil)
- 2 ounces (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
- Pinch of dried thyme
- Pinch of dried oregano
For the Mustard Aioli:
- 4 tablespoons high-quality mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard
For the Pickled Onions:
- 1 small red onion
- Pinch of salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
To Serve:
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Pita bread
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
- Prepare the Fries: Wash and slice potatoes into ½-inch thick fries. Boil in salted water for 2 minutes, then drain.
- Preheat Oven & Oil: Place a metal baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Pour enough canola oil to cover the bottom of the hot tray.
- Bake Fries: Carefully add drained fries to the hot oiled tray in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook Chicken: While fries bake, cook chicken in a griddle pan or barbecue for about 7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece.
- Make Aioli: Simply whisk together mayonnaise and wholegrain mustard in a small bowl.
- Pickle Onions: Thinly slice red onion into half-moons. Toss with salt and lemon juice, lightly scrunching the onions. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- Feta Fries Finish: Once fries are cooked, drain briefly on paper towels, then toss with crumbled feta and dried herbs.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice cooked chicken. Warm pita bread. Let everyone assemble their own souvlaki street wraps with aioli, chicken, feta fries, pickled onions, cucumber, and parsley. Enjoy immediately!
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