If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying meal, the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances tender, marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection with the cool, creamy brightness of homemade tzatziki. Every bite is a celebration of classic Mediterranean flavors that feels like sunshine on a plate, whether you’re dining al fresco or cozying up at home. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress guests, making it a timeless favorite worth having in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, each ingredient shines through to create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. From the zesty lemon notes to the aromatic oregano and refreshing dill, every component plays a key role.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Tender and lean, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy kick that awakens the marinade.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a robust and savory depth that complements the lemon beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Essential for that authentic Greek herbal aroma and taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors, balancing savory and bright notes perfectly.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base of tzatziki, thick and luscious for that cool contrast.
- 1 cucumber, grated: Adds fresh crunch and moisture to the tzatziki.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Provides a fragrant, slightly tangy herbaceous flavor that lifts the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki): Keeps the sauce refreshingly zesty.
- Salt to taste (for tzatziki): Balances and enhances the cool, creamy sauce.
- 4 skewers: Essential for easy grilling and serving in neat, fun portions.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the mixture is beautifully blended. This marinade is where all the magic begins, infusing the chicken with that zesty, garlicky essence that defines Greek cuisine.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss everything thoroughly so each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the chicken soak up all those vibrant flavors, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste.
Step 3: Thread the chicken onto skewers
Once marinated, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers. This step not only makes the chicken easy to grill but also fun to serve and eat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you get this set up.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Place the skewers on the hot grill and turn them every few minutes to cook evenly. After about 10 to 12 minutes, your chicken should be perfectly cooked—juicy inside with a slight char on the outside that brings out those smoky, savory notes.
Step 5: Make the tzatziki sauce
While the chicken grills, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and salt in a bowl. Mix until the sauce is smooth and cohesive. This creamy, herbaceous tzatziki is what brings balance and refreshment to the dish.
Step 6: Serve it up
Serve your piping hot chicken souvlaki with a generous spoonful of the freshly made tzatziki sauce on the side. The contrast of warm, smoky chicken with the cool, tangy dip is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add some fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra dill on top for a pop of color and brightness. A dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the grilled chicken’s flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese to keep the Mediterranean vibe alive. Warm pita bread or fluffy rice pilaf also makes lovely companions, soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual meal, serve the skewers family-style on a rustic platter alongside bowls of tzatziki and salad. For something a bit more elegant, plate the de-skewered chicken atop a bed of lemony couscous with a drizzle of tzatziki artistically swirled around the edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and tzatziki sauce separately to preserve the best texture and flavor of each.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling if you want to prep ahead. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and use within 1 month for best quality. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce since the yogurt can separate when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked chicken gently in the oven or on a stovetop skillet to maintain juiciness. Serve with freshly prepared or chilled tzatziki for that full, satisfying experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, plus they add a richer flavor. Just adjust grilling time accordingly since thighs can take slightly longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, try up to 4 hours. Beyond that, the lemon juice may start to “cook” the chicken and change its texture.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the tzatziki?
Fresh dill really makes the tzatziki sing, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried dill can work in a pinch—just use less, about a teaspoon, and adjust to taste.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler works great. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking and try to get some nice char marks to mimic that classic grilled flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to their dinner table without any fuss. It’s light, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether sharing it with family on a sunny weekend or spicing up your weekday routine, this recipe promises big smiles and full plates every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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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 Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled chicken dish marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Perfectly cooked on skewers and served alongside a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill, this recipe offers a delicious taste of classic Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
- 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
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Other
- 4 skewers
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast pieces to the marinade bowl. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Prepare the Skewers and Grill: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers onto the grill. Turn them every few minutes to cook the chicken evenly on all sides. Grill for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is well combined and creamy, creating a refreshing sauce to accompany the grilled chicken.
- Serve: Serve the hot Greek Chicken Souvlaki immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping and added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can use metal skewers as an alternative to wooden ones.
- Feel free to add chopped red onions or bell peppers to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
- If you prefer, the chicken can be grilled on a stovetop grill pan instead of an outdoor grill.
- Leftover souvlaki can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days.
