If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, lemony chicken skewers infused with fragrant oregano come together effortlessly and pair perfectly with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that feels like a gentle hug for your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evoking the warm, lively vibes of a Greek taverna right at your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in building the bright, fresh flavors and wonderful textures that make this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The star protein, lean and perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken juicy on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings a lively citrus zing that tenderizes and brightens the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory punch that beautifully complements the herbs.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses earthy, aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki, providing tang and smooth texture.
- 1 cucumber, grated: Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Infuses the tzatziki with its unique, fragrant herbal character.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with bright, zesty notes.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the tzatziki flavors harmoniously.
- 4 skewers: For threading the chicken and achieving that authentic souvlaki presentation.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will soak into the chicken, bringing bright, aromatic notes that make each bite unforgettable.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, toss your cubed chicken into the marinade, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this rest time allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become tender and juicy when cooked.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes evenly onto skewers. This not only helps with even cooking but also creates that classic souvlaki look that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the skewers onto the grill. Turn them every few minutes to ensure each side cooks perfectly, roughly 10 to 12 minutes total, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. You’ll love the slightly charred edges paired with tender centers.
Step 5: Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken grills, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, and salt in a bowl. Stir everything until smoothly combined—this sauce is your cool, creamy contrast to the grilled chicken’s warmth and zest.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your hot skewers with a generous dollop of the homemade tzatziki sauce on the side. The contrast between the juicy souvlaki and the refreshing sauce is pure magic, perfect for savoring every bite of this fantastic Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your meal instantly. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or extra dill over the skewers for a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra splash of brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside some traditional Mediterranean sides like warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or even fluffy rice pilaf. These sides balance the meal with fresh veggies and hearty carbs that complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the chicken souvlaki as a platter with a variety of small bowls: load one with tzatziki sauce, another with olives, and perhaps one with roasted vegetables. Or build DIY pita wraps so everyone can assemble their own, adding more fun to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken skewers and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. They should stay good for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated uncooked chicken skewers if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag. They’re best used within one month for optimal flavor, and remember to thaw fully before grilling.
Reheating
To reheat, remove the chicken from the skewers if desired and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Never microwave the tzatziki sauce—serve it fresh for that cool, refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional and cooks quickly, pork, lamb, or beef can also be used. Just adjust the grilling time since these meats may require more time to become tender and cooked through.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require this step and are reusable.
How can I make the tzatziki sauce less watery?
After grating the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This simple step helps your tzatziki stay thick and creamy rather than watery.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor and tenderizing the chicken in this recipe. Even a short 30-minute marinade makes a noticeable difference, but a few hours or overnight will amplify those classic Greek flavors.
Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance?
Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but always stir it just before serving to freshen the texture.
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying one of the most delightful and crowd-pleasing dishes that Mediterranean cuisine has to offer. The Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with straightforward techniques, making it perfect for weeknights or weekend entertaining. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing it as I do!
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish balances the zestiness of lemon and garlic with the coolness of creamy yogurt and cucumber sauce, bringing an authentic taste of Greece to your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 skewers
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the 4 skewers, making sure the chicken is securely placed for even grilling.
- Preheat and grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking, for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt until well combined. This sauce provides a cool and creamy contrast to the grilled chicken.
- Serve: Serve the hot Greek Chicken Souvlaki skewers with a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, marinate for up to 2 hours but not longer to avoid texture breakdown.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- The cucumber can be lightly squeezed after grating to remove excess water for a thicker tzatziki sauce.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like mint or parsley to the tzatziki for extra freshness.
- The dish pairs well with warm pita bread or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
