Chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek dish that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe combines marinated chicken skewers with a creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Chicken breast is used in this recipe for its lean protein and mild flavor. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. It also prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to both the marinade and the tzatziki sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is used to make the tzatziki sauce creamy and tangy. It’s a healthier alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Cucumber: Grated cucumber adds freshness and a slight crunch to the tzatziki sauce. Be sure to squeeze out excess water from the cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Dried Oregano and Dill: These herbs add a Mediterranean flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
This chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor meal. Serve it with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, and red onions for a complete Greek-inspired feast!