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Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, paired with a refreshing and creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This quick and healthy recipe bursts with authentic flavors and is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Souvlaki

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to form a zesty, flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
  3. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill or mint, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt to create a cooling sauce with the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
  4. Skewer and cook the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is charred on the edges and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, cook on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at high heat.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove chicken from skewers onto a serving platter, drizzle extra olive oil if desired, and spoon generous amounts of homemade tzatziki on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juiciness and more flavor compared to breasts.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Ensure cucumber is well-drained to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce.
  • Preheat your grill, pan, or oven to get charred edges and lock in juices.
  • Serve souvlaki fresh off the grill while chicken is warm and tzatziki is cool for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken skewers, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Greek cuisine