Heart-Healthy Traditional Greek Souvlaki
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean while prioritizing your health with this Heart-Healthy Traditional Greek Souvlaki recipe! Featuring tender, marinated chicken breast, fresh red onion, bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this grilled dish is both nutritious and bursting with classic Greek flavors. A zesty marinade made from extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme elevates the juicy chicken to a whole new level. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is ready in just under 40 minutes, including prep and cook time. Serve with whole-grain pita, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad for a wholesome, well-rounded meal that's as heart-friendly as it is delicious. Ideal for those seeking healthy grilling recipes, this souvlaki is a colorful and flavorful take on a Mediterranean favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil, extra virgin
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for slight spice)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 Red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 Bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
- 15 Cherry tomatoes
- 8 Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables by cutting the red onion into wedges, the bell peppers into chunks, and rinsing the cherry tomatoes.
Thread the marinated chicken, onion wedges, bell pepper chunks, and cherry tomatoes onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful arrangement.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Cook the skewers on the preheated grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Serve the souvlaki immediately with a side of whole-grain pita bread, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 425 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 1696 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 118.2 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.0 g | 125% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.6 g | ||
| Protein | 178.9 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 418 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 7292 mg | 155% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
