Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

If you’re craving a dish packed with vibrant flavors, tender meat, and refreshing sauce, look no further than Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce. This recipe brings together juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, paired with the cool creaminess of tzatziki, creating a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is an absolute winner that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Taste: Experience the bold and fresh flavors that define classic Greek cooking with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients that come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for casual dinners, picnics, or even meal prepping for the week.
• Healthy & Balanced: Lean chicken combined with fresh herbs and yogurt-based sauce offers a nutritious option.
• Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own unique touch. From the tender chicken marinated in herbs and citrus to the creamy, herbaceous tzatziki sauce, every element adds depth, texture, and vibrant color to your plate.

• Chicken breast or thigh: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for juicy, tender meat that grills evenly.
• Olive oil: A Greek staple that enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
• Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken and balances richness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses savory depth throughout the marinade and sauce.
• Dried oregano: Essential herb that gives the dish its signature aromatic Greek flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to amplify the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Plain Greek yogurt: The base of tzatziki sauce providing creaminess and tang.
• Cucumber: Grated or finely chopped for crunch and freshness in the tzatziki.
• Dill or mint: Choose your favorite fresh herb to brighten the sauce with herbal notes.
• White vinegar or red wine vinegar: Adds subtle acidity to the tzatziki that complements the chicken.
• Wooden or metal skewers: For assembling the souvlaki to grill evenly and handle easily.

Variations for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

This recipe offers room for creativity, allowing you to tweak ingredients or adapt to personal preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and find your own signature spin on this classic.

• Using chicken thighs: Swap breasts with thighs for a juicier, richer texture if preferred.
• Adding vegetables: Thread cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions on skewers for a colorful mix.
• Herb substitution: Try parsley, cilantro, or basil if you’re not a fan of oregano or dill.
• Spicy twist: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cayenne in the marinade for a kick.
• Serving style: Present as pita wraps, rice bowls, or simply with a fresh salad.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended. This marinade will impart bright and classic Greek flavors to the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill (or mint), vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Souvlaki Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, keeping some space between pieces to ensure even cooking. This also allows charred edges for a smoky depth.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove chicken from skewers and serve immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Pair with your favorite sides or stuff into pita bread for a filling meal.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice always delivers the best bright flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Don’t over-marinate: Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to keep chicken tender, not mushy.
• Soak wooden skewers: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Control the heat: Use medium-high heat for grilling to get a beautiful sear without drying out the chicken.
• Let chicken rest: Allow cooked souvlaki to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.
• Strain cucumber well: Removing excess moisture ensures your tzatziki sauce doesn’t become watery.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and herbal aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side not only brighten flavors but also make the presentation inviting.

Side Dishes

Traditional Greek sides like warm pita bread, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta perfectly complement the dish. For lighter options, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Use the chicken souvlaki in pita wraps with sliced onions, tomatoes, and extra tzatziki for an on-the-go meal. Alternatively, build a Mediterranean bowl with rice or quinoa, veggies, and tzatziki on the side for a nourishing lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Storing sauce separately prevents sogginess in the chicken.

Freezing

Chicken souvlaki can be frozen after cooking by wrapping tightly in foil or placing in freezer-safe bags. Use within 2 months for best flavor and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Tzatziki sauce, however, doesn’t freeze well and is best made fresh.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness and avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible for better texture. Serve tzatziki fresh after reheating the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pork, lamb, or even beef work wonderfully as alternatives for souvlaki, each bringing their own unique flavor and texture.

Is Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with pita bread or choose gluten-free pita alternatives.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The ideal marinating time is between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer marinating can lead to a mushy texture due to the lemon juice’s acidity.

Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Make tzatziki a few hours ahead and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld, but avoid making it more than 24 hours in advance to keep it fresh.

What can I substitute for dill in the tzatziki sauce?

If you don’t have dill, fresh mint, parsley, or even basil are excellent substitutes that provide an aromatic twist to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce brings the heart of Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with a combination that’s both simple and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish offers a flavorful journey that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!

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