Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this easy-to-make Greek Chicken Souvlaki served with a refreshing Tzatziki sauce.
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, making it juicy and full of flavor. Paired with a creamy and tangy Tzatziki sauce, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Succulent marinated chicken bursting with flavor
- Creamy Tzatziki sauce that complements the skewers perfectly
- Easy to prepare and perfect for a summer barbecue
The Essence of Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, making it a favorite for many. The use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and citrus is a hallmark of Greek cooking, and this Chicken Souvlaki recipe captures that essence beautifully. Each bite is a celebration of traditional flavors, transporting you to sun-soaked Mediterranean shores.
At the heart of this dish is the marinated chicken, which absorbs a delightful mixture of garlic, lemon, and oregano. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring that every skewer is juicy and succulent. Pairing it with a tangy Tzatziki sauce enhances the experience, offering a refreshing contrast.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or planning a festive gathering, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, it can be served as a main dish or as part of a mezze platter, allowing for a variety of serving options.
This dish is not only delicious but also encourages communal dining. Skewers can be served straight off the grill, allowing guests to help themselves. This style of eating creates a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for parties and gatherings with family and friends.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is Greek Chicken Souvlaki a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and overall health. The use of fresh vegetables, especially when served with Tzatziki, adds vitamins and minerals to your meal, making it a balanced choice.
The Tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt and cucumber, is not only creamy and delicious but also packed with probiotics and hydration. This adds a nutritional boost to your meal, promoting digestive health and keeping you refreshed, especially during warm weather.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Souvlaki
Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve
Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Souvlaki
For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if time permits. This helps deepen the flavors and ensures that the chicken remains moist during grilling. Additionally, if you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.
When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Avoid overcrowding the grill; leave some space between skewers for optimal air circulation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki alongside a fresh Greek salad, featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. This adds a colorful and nutritious element to your meal. For added flavor, consider drizzling some extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad before serving.
For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider offering pita bread on the side. Guests can create their own wraps with the chicken, Tzatziki, and fresh veggies, making it a fun and interactive meal. Don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade to elevate the dining experience!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, lamb, or beef.
→ How do I make the Tzatziki sauce thicker?
To thicken the Tzatziki sauce, ensure you drain the grated cucumber well to remove excess moisture.
→ Can I grill the souvlaki in an oven?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
→ What should I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
It pairs well with pita bread, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this easy-to-make Greek Chicken Souvlaki served with a refreshing Tzatziki sauce.
Created by: Noelle Chambers
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 34g