When we think of our travels, one dish that always stands out is Slovak chicken souvlaki. We discovered this delightful recipe during our adventures in Slovakia, and it quickly became a favorite.
The combination of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, makes this dish a must-try for anyone looking to explore Slovak cuisine.
Making Slovak chicken souvlaki is surprisingly simple, even if you’re new to cooking. The key lies in the marinade, which brings out the rich flavors of the chicken.
Paired with warm pita and a refreshing salad, this meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
We are excited to share why this Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe stands out in our kitchen.
Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients gives each bite a delightful burst of flavor. The marinade includes garlic, lemon, and herbs, which makes the chicken juicy and tasty.
Healthier Option: This dish uses lean chicken, which is a great source of protein. We appreciate that it is both nutritious and satisfying, making it perfect for family meals.
Quick and Easy: Preparing Chicken Souvlaki is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, we can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Versatile Serving Ideas: We can enjoy this dish in many ways. Serve it with pita bread, a Greek salad, or a dollop of yogurt. Each option adds a unique taste.
Cultural Experience: Cooking Slovak Chicken Souvlaki connects people to Slovak food culture. It’s fun to explore different recipes from around Slovakia and learn about their culinary traditions.
In every way, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. We can enjoy amazing flavors while keeping it simple and healthy!
What Makes This Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe Special
Our Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe brings a unique blend of flavors that represents both Mediterranean and Slovak culinary traditions.
We use simple, fresh ingredients that highlight the quality of the chicken. The marinade, rich in garlic, lemon, and herbs, creates a tangy taste that is hard to resist.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken: Juicy and tender, marinated well.
- Garlic: Adds a strong flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, zesty kick.
- Herbs: Oregano and other herbs create depth.
In Slovakia, food is often about community and sharing. Our Chicken Souvlaki is perfect for gatherings, just like traditional Slovak dishes such as Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and Kapustnica (sauerkraut soup).
We enjoy serving our Chicken Souvlaki with fresh salads or pita bread, which are popular in many Slovak meals.
This recipe reflects Slovak culture, combining the best elements of both worlds. Sharing good food with friends and family is at the heart of Slovak tradition.
Each bite of this Slovak Chicken Souvlaki is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a connection to Slovak roots.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make a delicious Slovak Chicken Souvlaki, we need some basic cooking equipment. Here’s a handy list to help us get started:
- Cutting board: For preparing the chicken and veggies.
- Knife: To cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Mixing bowl: To combine our marinade ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the marinade until smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure our ingredients.
For cooking, we’ll need:
- Baking sheet or pan: To place the chicken while it cooks.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Skewers (if grilling): Wooden or metal skewers to hold the chicken pieces. If using wooden skewers, we should soak them in water to prevent burning.
If we opt for the oven, it’s important to use:
- Oven thermometer: To check if our oven is at the right temperature.
- Tongs: To safely flip the chicken without burning ourselves.
Lastly, don’t forget serving plates and utensils! These will help us present our tasty chicken souvlaki beautifully.
Gathering this equipment will set us up for a fun cooking experience!
Cooking Instructions
To make delicious Slovak chicken souvlaki, let’s follow these simple steps.
Preparation Steps
- Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and mix well until they are coated evenly. - Refrigerate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, we can marinate overnight. - Preheat the Oven
If baking, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If grilling, prepare the grill at medium-high heat. - Cook the Chicken
Oven: Spread marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Grill: Skewer the marinated chicken and grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning frequently. - Serve
Enjoy our chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce! We can also add a fresh salad or rice as sides.
Cooking Tips
When we cook chicken souvlaki, there are a few key tips to keep in mind for great results.
Marinate for Flavor
Marinating the chicken is essential. We recommend marinating it for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This helps the flavors soak in.
Cut Even Pieces
For even cooking, we should cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. This size works best for cooking quickly and evenly.
Use the Right Temperature
Baking the chicken at a high temperature, around 450°F (232°C), allows it to crisp up nicely. It usually takes about 25 minutes to cook fully.
Monitor Cooking Time
We need to keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking. Using a meat thermometer, we can check that it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Reserve Marinade
If we want a flavorful sauce, we can reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken. When cooked, it makes a tasty drizzle over our souvlaki.
Pair with Sides
To create a full meal, let’s pair the souvlaki with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the flavors nicely.
Ingredients Needed for the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 2 large)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic cloves minced
Oregano
Lemon
Mustard
Plain Greek Yogurt
Olive oil
Lemon slices and fresh Oregano
Instructions For Preparing the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together salt, pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, mustard, Greek yogurt, and olive oil to make the marinade. Add the chicken cubes, mixing well to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates well, then place the skewers on the heated grill. Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs For the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Question: What is the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
A: The Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a flavorful dish that combines marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers, often served with pita, fresh vegetables, and a creamy garlic sauce.
Question: How do you marinate chicken for the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
A: To marinate chicken for the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, then let the chicken soak for at least two hours for maximum flavor.
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
A: The Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe typically requires chicken breast or thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional accompaniments like pita bread and tzatziki.
Question: Can I cook the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe without a grill?
A: Yes, the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe can be cooked using a stovetop grill pan, broiler, or even baked in the oven for a similar delicious result.
Question: What sides pair well with the Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
A: The Slovak Chicken Souvlaki recipe pairs well with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Slovak Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 2" large)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp oregano dried
- lemon juice half a lemon
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 cup yogurt plain greek
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- garnish with lemon slices and fresh oregano
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk together salt, pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, mustard, Greek yogurt, and olive oil to make the marinade. Add the chicken cubes, mixing well to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates well, then place the skewers on the heated grill. Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
1 comment
The Slovak Chicken Souvlaki turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, with the perfect blend of spices and herbs. Grilling the skewers brought out a smoky flavor that paired nicely with the tzatziki sauce. My guests loved the fresh vegetables alongside, and the meal was a huge success.