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.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken skewers, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Greek cuisine