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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 and flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring juicy, herb-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing, creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe balances tender meat with a cool, tangy sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Additional Items

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended to create a flavorful Greek marinade for the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water thoroughly using a clean towel. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  4. Assemble the Souvlaki Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking and a nice charred exterior.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Pair with warm pita, fresh salad, or your preferred sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
  • Do not marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture from acidity.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
  • Grill over medium-high heat to get a beautiful sear without drying out the chicken.
  • Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
  • Strain grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean chicken, grilled chicken skewers, healthy Greek recipes, gluten free chicken recipe