Chicken Souvlaki: A Keto-Friendly Greek Delight

Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish of marinated meat cooked on skewers. It is a keto-friendly meal option as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. The chicken is usually marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings, and then grilled. The key to juicy chicken is to marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. Chicken souvlaki can be served with grilled zucchini, cauliflower rice, and feta dressing, or with a simple salad.

Chicken souvlaki is keto-friendly

The key to making delicious chicken souvlaki lies in the marinade. A typical marinade includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as red wine vinegar, paprika, rosemary, parsley, marjoram, or white wine vinegar. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and soaked in the marinade for at least two hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to infuse the meat.

Chicken souvlaki is typically grilled on skewers, but it can also be cooked in a skillet or baked in the oven. It is often served with a creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The dish pairs well with grilled zucchini, cauliflower rice, or a simple salad.

Chicken souvlaki is a versatile and tasty option for those following a keto diet. It can be served as a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a impressive dish for guests. The chicken is juicy and tender, packed with bright Greek flavours, and best of all, it fits perfectly within the keto macros.

It's also low in calories, carbs and fat

Chicken souvlaki is a great option for those following a keto diet as it is low in calories, carbs, and fat.

Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish that traditionally consists of marinated cubes of meat cooked on skewers. The meat is usually chicken, but it can also be beef, lamb, or fish. The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings such as garlic, oregano, and salt. This combination of ingredients results in a dish that is not only keto-friendly but also low in calories, carbs, and fat.

For example, a serving of chicken souvlaki with yogurt sauce contains approximately 157 calories, 5g of fat, 0g of net carbs, and 26g of protein. Similarly, another recipe for chicken souvlaki skewers has 277 calories per skewer, with 113 calories coming from fat, 4.1g of carbohydrates, and 3g of net carbs.

Chicken souvlaki is an excellent option for those looking for a high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, and low-fat meal. It is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, such as in warm pita bread with a yogurt sauce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or with Greek rice, roasted potatoes, and tzatziki sauce.

Furthermore, chicken souvlaki is a convenient dish to prepare and can be made in advance. The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour. It can be cooked on a grill, grill pan, or in the oven, making it a flexible dish that can be adapted to different cooking equipment.

Marinating the chicken is essential

The marinade itself is a simple combination of acidity, oil, salt, and flavour. For a Greek-style souvlaki, this could be lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings such as garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. The lemon juice and salt help to tenderise the meat, while the olive oil keeps it moist.

The chicken can be threaded onto skewers and grilled, or cooked in a skillet. If you're using skewers, remember to soak the skewers in water for at least an hour before threading the chicken onto them, to prevent the skewers from burning.

Chicken souvlaki is a delicious, healthy, and low-carb meal that's perfect for grilling season. It's a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a warm pita with tzatziki sauce, or with a simple salad.

You can cook it in the oven

Chicken Souvlaki in the Oven

Chicken souvlaki is a delicious Greek dish that is perfect for keto and low-carb diets. While it is typically grilled, you can absolutely cook it in the oven for an equally tasty dish. Here's how:

Ingredients

You will need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Lemon juice and zest
• Garlic
• Oregano (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper
• White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
• Parsley (fresh)
• Optional: Greek yogurt, cucumber, feta cheese, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, cumin, rosemary, and/or paprika

Marination

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or strips. In a bowl or ziploc bag, combine the chicken with the oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add additional spices like cumin, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavour. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will be.

Skewering (Optional)

If you want to cook the chicken on skewers, you can use either wooden or metal ones. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers.

Cooking

Preheat your oven to a medium-high heat setting. Place the chicken skewers or chicken pieces on a baking sheet. If using skewers, spoon any remaining marinade over the chicken right after placing the raw chicken on the skewers to avoid cross-contamination.

Cook the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until fully cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 180°F.

Serving

Serve your chicken souvlaki with lemon wedges and optional sides like tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, warm pita bread, or roasted potatoes. Enjoy the juicy, flavourful chicken with all the Greek flavours you crave, straight from your oven!

It's versatile and can be served in many ways

Chicken souvlaki is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. It is a popular Greek dish that is perfect for grilling, consisting of marinated cubes of meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) cooked on skewers. The word "souvlaki" comes from the Greek word "souvla," meaning skewer.

While traditionally served in pita bread, chicken souvlaki can also be enjoyed with rice, roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or Greek salad. For a truly Greek experience, serve it with warm pita, yogurt sauce or tzatziki, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can even get creative and pair it with grilled zucchini, cauliflower rice, and a creamy feta dressing.

Chicken souvlaki is also a great option for meal prep, as the cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge and added to salads or other dishes throughout the week. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions