Guilt-Free Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Transform your summer barbecues and winter evenings with these Guilt-Free Chicken Souvlaki Skewers! This easy-to-follow recipe removes excess fat while maintaining fantastic flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. The creamy buttermilk marinade, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, tenderizes the chicken, yielding juicy, flavorful bites every time. Whether you're grilling in the bright summer sun or broiling indoors for a cozy winter meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your household. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
1% fat buttermilk
1 cup
Liquid honey
2 tablespoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Dried basil
1 teaspoon
Garlic cloves, minced
4
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, honey, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
2
Place the chicken breast halves into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
3
Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat or set your oven to broil.
5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard the marinade.
6
If grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. If broiling, place the chicken on a baking sheet and broil for about 6-8 minutes on each side, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
7
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice or serve whole. Enjoy your delicious chicken souvlaki!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Guilt-Free Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
They are a healthy version of the traditional Greek dish, using a buttermilk marinade and lean chicken breast to reduce fat while keeping the flavor high.
Why is this recipe considered guilt-free?
The recipe uses 1% fat buttermilk and boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the calorie and fat content low.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can broil them on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
What are the primary herbs used in the marinade?
The marinade features a blend of dried oregano and dried basil.
What purpose does buttermilk serve in this recipe?
Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken breast remains juicy and flavorful after cooking.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic flavor.
Can I use honey in the marinade?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of liquid honey are used to add a touch of sweetness and help with caramelization.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, these skewers are perfect for grilling outdoors during the summer months.
Can I serve this chicken with dipping sauces?
Yes, it pairs excellently with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Should I discard the leftover marinade?
Yes, always discard the marinade after removing the raw chicken to ensure food safety.
What temperature should I set my grill to?
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat to cook the chicken evenly without burning it.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is cooked when it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, usually after 6-8 minutes per side.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild and savory flavor profile makes it a popular choice for both children and adults.
Do I need to rest the chicken after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
Can I substitute dried herbs with fresh ones?
Yes, though the recipe calls for dried, you can use fresh herbs by generally tripling the quantity.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves are recommended for the leanest results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your buttermilk and spice labels for additives.
How much buttermilk is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of 1% fat buttermilk.
Can I make this as a winter meal?
Yes, the broiling instructions allow you to enjoy this dish indoors during colder months.
What is the prep time for the marinade?
Mixing the marinade takes only a few minutes before the 4-8 hour refrigeration period.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
While breasts are recommended for a 'guilt-free' profile, thighs can be used but will increase the fat content.
Is the chicken sliced before or after cooking?
You can cook the halves whole and slice them after they have rested.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 8 hours?
The recipe suggests 8 hours as a maximum to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft from the buttermilk acids.
What kind of honey should I use?
Liquid honey is preferred as it blends easily into the buttermilk mixture.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet for broiling?
It is recommended to monitor the chicken closely to prevent sticking and burning during the broiling process.
What are the total servings for this recipe?
The recipe is based on 4 chicken breast halves, typically serving 4 people.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time or store cooked leftovers for lunch the next day.
What makes the chicken juicy?
The combination of the acidic buttermilk marinade and the resting period after cooking ensures juicy bites.