Description
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with homemade tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread. This flavorful recipe combines fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic for a refreshing yet savory meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4-5 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Fresh lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess liquid removed), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, evenly distributing them for uniform cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even grill marks and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread on the grill or in an oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, slices of tomato, red onions, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to deepen.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
