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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board with Feta Dip – A Mediterranean Feast to Share

Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board with Feta Dip
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts (or Thighs); Greek Yogurt; Lemon Juice; Garlic; Olive Oil; Dried Oregano; Paprika; Salt and Pepper; Bell Peppers; Red Onion; Pita Bread; Feta Cheese; Fresh Herbs (like parsley or dill)

Hello, fellow food lovers! 🥗❤️ I’m so excited to dive into today’s recipe with you! Picture this: a stunning grazing board filled with succulent Greek chicken souvlaki, vibrant veggies, fluffy pita bread, and of course, a creamy feta dip. Trust me, this Mediterranean feast is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering or a cozy night in with your favorite people.

Grazing boards have taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s no wonder why! They encourage sharing, sampling, and experiencing a variety of tastes all at once. There’s something inherently joyful about spreading a colorful, inviting board before your guests and watching their faces light up as they dig in. And with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board, you’ll not only impress your friends but also satisfy your own culinary cravings. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

A Flavorful Memory

Growing up, my family would often gather around for themed dinner nights. One of our favorites was "Mediterranean Mondays!" We’d whip up various dishes, but nothing could quite compare to the tantalizing aroma of grilled chicken souvlaki sizzling away on the barbecue. I can still remember my grandma teaching me how to marinate the chicken, explaining the importance of fresh herbs and spices — “Never skimp on flavor, my dear!” she would say.

That became a guiding principle for me. The laughter and chatter around that table, combined with the smoky, garlicky smell of souvlaki, created a memory I hold dearly. Today, I’m recreating that joy and passing it on to you through this delectably fun grazing board. Every bite is a trip down memory lane, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!

Ingredients

So, let’s gather our ingredients and start creating this incredible dish! Here’s what you will need for your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board:

Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)
- Juicy and tender, chicken is the star of our souvlaki! You can substitute with turkey for a leaner option or use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Greek Yogurt
- This creamy base is crucial for a successful marinade. Rich in flavor and also a great source of protein! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt works well.
Lemon Juice
- Bright and zesty, lemon enhances the flavors of the chicken. Feel free to substitute with lime juice in a pinch, but the taste will vary slightly.
Garlic
- A true flavor powerhouse! Fresh minced garlic beats the powdered stuff any day. However, if you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can suffice (1/8 teaspoon = 1 clove).
Olive Oil
- Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth. Avocado oil can be used instead if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Dried Oregano
- Simply essential for that Mediterranean vibe. If you’re out, Italian seasoning is a decent alternative.
Paprika
- Adds warmth and a mild sweetness to the dish. Try smoked paprika if you want a little extra kick!
Salt and Pepper
- Always taste as you go! Feel free to adjust according to your personal preference.
Bell Peppers and Red Onion
- Colorful additions to the board that add crunch and freshness. You can swap these for zucchini or cherry tomatoes if desired!
Pita Bread
- Fluffy, warm pita is perfect for scooping up that feta dip. Try whole wheat for a healthier option or gluten-free pita if necessary.
Feta Cheese
- Tangy and crumbly, feta is a classic Greek ingredient. For a dairy-free alternative, crumbled tofu marinated in lemon juice and herbs could work!
Fresh Herbs (like parsley or dill)
- These add freshness and color. If you don’t have them on hand, dried herbs can substitute, but fresh always shines brighter!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get into cooking! Follow these detailed steps, sprinkled with my favorite chef tips to guide you along the way:

Marinade the Chicken

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy marinade is going to infuse the chicken with all the Mediterranean goodness!
Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This not only helps with marinating but also ensures they cook evenly on the grill or in the oven.
Marinate: Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit overnight for maximum flavor!

Chef Tip: Marinating the chicken longer not only intensifies the flavors but also makes it super tender.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. For the oven, preheat to 400ºF (200ºC).
Skewer the Chicken: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with bell pepper and onion pieces for added color and flavor.
Grill / Roast: Place the skewers on your grill or a baking sheet (if using the oven). Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (165ºF internal temperature). If you have an oven, roasting them will also give you that delicious charred effect.

Chef Hack: If you’re grilling, don’t flip the skewers too frequently! Give them time to get good grill marks.

Prepare the Feta Dip

Make the Feta Dip: In a food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, and a handful of fresh herbs. Blend until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Fun Fact: This dip can double as a sandwich spread! Make extra for your lunches!

Assemble the Grazing Board

Create Your Board: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and arrange it in the center of your grazing board. Surround it with sections of sliced pita bread, fresh veggies, and little bowls of feta dip.
Garnish: Sprinkle additional herbs over the top and drizzle a bit of olive oil for a polished look.

Serving Tip: The beauty of a grazing board is that it’s meant to be shared! Encourage your guests to grab a piece of chicken, a scoop of dip, and a piece of pita—all in one hand!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mediterranean feast with a side of olives, some hummus, or even a crisp salad for an extra crunch. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea, herbal lemonade, or even a light white wine pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dish.

Don’t forget to provide festive plates and napkins (maybe even colorful Mediterranean-style ones!) so that each guest can enjoy their personalized portion. This board is all about the experience, so make it as interactive as possible!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for hearty, marinated mushrooms or eggplant and grill until tender. You can also try skewered halloumi cheese with the same veggies.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper into your marinade if you crave a bit of heat!
Greek Salad Grazing Board: Instead of chicken, pile on layers of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese mixed with olive oil and oregano. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet twist!
Zesty Herbs: Change it up by using fresh mint or cilantro in your marinade or as garnish to give the board a refreshing zing.
Grain Bowl Variation: Serve the grilled chicken and veggies on a bed of quinoa or couscous, topped with the feta dip for a filling option!

Chef’s Notes

I fondly recall the first time I tried to grill chicken souvlaki by myself—I might have over-marinated them and ended up with extra tender (read: slightly mushy) chicken pieces. But hey, every kitchen misstep is a learning opportunity! Embrace the little accidents; they often lead to delightful improvements.

Over the years, I’ve honed this recipe to its current state, and it’s now a beloved staple among my friends and family. Sharing food has a unique way of connecting us all, and I love that I’ve found joy in expressing gratitude through delicious meals like this.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q1: My chicken is dry! What happened?
A: This usually means it was overcooked. To avoid this, always use a meat thermometer and take it off the heat as soon as it hits 165ºF.

Q2: Can I prepare the feta dip in advance?
A: Yes, absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a little stir before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t have skewers?
A: No problem! You can grill the chicken and veggies directly on the grill or bake them on a baking sheet.

Q4: How do I keep my veggies crunchy?
A: Adding them to the board as close to serving time as possible helps maintain their crunch!

Nutritional Info

While enjoying this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s not just delicious—it also packs a nutritional punch!

Per serving (assuming 8 servings total):

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 30g (mostly from chicken and feta)
Fat: 15g (healthy fats from olive oil and feta)
Carbohydrates: 30g (from pita and vegetables)
Fiber: 3g (mainly from veggies)

You’re getting a hearty flourish of proteins and healthy fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh produce and herbs. Enjoy the guilt-free goodness!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A gorgeous Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board that’s simple to prepare, a blast to share, and overflowing with flavor. I hope this Mediterranean feast brings warmth and joy to your kitchen, just like it does in mine.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and savoring the process. Each gathering around food is a chance to create new memories, so gather your friends or family and let the fun begin! Keep chasing those flavors, and I can’t wait to see how your boards turn out. Happy cooking!

— Emily 🍴💖