Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Ah, Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki – the ultimate flavor-packed, grilled-to-perfection dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Tender, juicy chunks of chicken marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, then grilled until perfectly crispy on the outside, yet succulent on the inside. And don’t get me started on the tzatziki – a creamy, refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip that complements every bite of the savory chicken. Trust me, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Fresh and Flavorful: The chicken is marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, infusing it with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. When paired with the creamy tzatziki, it’s a match made in heaven.

Quick and Easy: This dish may sound like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Healthy and Light: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fresh veggies, and the cooling yogurt from the tzatziki, this meal is both satisfying and light. It’s perfect for those warm summer nights or any time you’re craving something fresh and delicious.

Versatile: You can enjoy this dish in so many ways. Serve it with pita bread, wrap it up for lunch, toss it in a salad, or enjoy it alongside some roasted veggies. It’s just as great for a family dinner as it is for a BBQ or picnic.

Ingredients in Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:

Chicken Breast or Thighs:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully for this dish. Chicken breasts are lean and perfect for grilling, while thighs add a bit more juiciness. It’s up to you which one to choose!

Lemon:

Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing flavor that brightens up the chicken marinade.

Garlic:

Garlic is a must in both the chicken marinade and the tzatziki sauce. It’s an essential ingredient for that classic Greek taste.

Olive Oil:

A high-quality olive oil brings richness and depth to the marinade, helping to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.

Dried Oregano:

Oregano is the herb that defines Greek cuisine. It gives the chicken that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

Salt and Pepper:

Basic seasoning for the chicken, allowing all the other flavors to shine through.

Greek Yogurt:

The base of the tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy kick that’s so refreshing.

Cucumber:

Grated cucumber provides the perfect crunch and cooling effect in the tzatziki. It balances out the richness of the yogurt.

Fresh Dill:

Dill is a traditional herb for tzatziki, offering a burst of fresh, grassy flavor that complements the cucumber and yogurt beautifully.

Fresh Lemon Juice (for tzatziki):

A little extra lemon juice in the tzatziki brings out all the flavors, giving the sauce that zesty brightness.

Garlic (for tzatziki):

To make the tzatziki pop, a bit of fresh garlic adds depth and aroma.

Olive Oil (for tzatziki):

A splash of olive oil smooths out the tzatziki sauce and gives it that silky texture.

Instructions

Here’s how you’ll bring this flavorful dish together:

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and mix everything together, making sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to soak up all those zesty flavors.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken marinates, let’s get the tzatziki ready. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture), fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—more lemon juice for tang, or a touch more dill for herbiness!

Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Serve:

Serve the grilled chicken with a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side, or drizzle it over the chicken. Pair it with warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or some roasted veggies to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (depends on chicken cuts and amount of tzatziki used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (for the marinade and tzatziki)
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating time)

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki is versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways:

With Pita Bread: Serve the grilled chicken with warm pita bread for a classic wrap. Add a little tzatziki, a few veggies, and maybe a sprinkle of feta cheese, and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich.

On a Salad: Serve the grilled chicken on top of a fresh Greek salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta for a wholesome meal.

In a Bowl: Create a grain bowl with rice or quinoa as the base, topped with chicken, tzatziki, and roasted veggies for a satisfying and healthy meal.

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes make a great side dish to complement the chicken and tzatziki.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors only get better with time!

Marinate the Chicken Longer: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight for the ultimate zesty, herb-infused taste.

Grill the Chicken on Skewers: If you have wooden skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto them and grill for an even more fun, bite-sized presentation.

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer a juicier cut, go for chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re more forgiving and incredibly flavorful.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option, as they’re juicier and tend to stay tender on the grill.

Q2: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Tzatziki can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
A3: Yes, you can! Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and golden on the outside.

Q4: Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
A4: Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just adjust the marinating time and make sure to cook the chicken in batches or on a larger grill.

Q5: Can I use a store-bought tzatziki sauce?
A5: While store-bought tzatziki can work in a pinch, homemade tzatziki really takes this dish to the next level. The freshness and balance of flavors are unbeatable!

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pita bread or on a salad if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

Q7: What other veggies pair well with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
A7: Roasted or grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant make great side dishes. You can also serve the chicken with a Greek-style roasted potato.

Q8: Can I use a different protein?
A8: Yes! This recipe works with lamb, beef, or even shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on a grill pan to maintain its flavor and juiciness.

Q10: Can I make this recipe in the winter?
A10: Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or even in the oven at 400°F (200°C).

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki brings the bright, bold flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. With tender grilled chicken, the refreshing tzatziki sauce, and endless ways to serve it, you’re sure to love every bite. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a Mediterranean-inspired meal prep, this dish has got you covered. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or oven), and enjoy this flavor-packed feast!

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