If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than this Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender and juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with warm pita bread and tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4-5 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
For the 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
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
For Serving:
Warm pita bread
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onions
Fresh lettuce
Directions:
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. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has attractive grill marks.
Serve:
Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Serving Tips:
Fresh and Warm: For the best taste, serve Chicken Souvlaki immediately after grilling while it’s still warm. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Accompaniments: Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes and red onions, and crisp lettuce. Adding a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables can enhance the Mediterranean experience.
Tzatziki Sauce: Provide a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. It complements the grilled chicken perfectly and adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
Garnishes: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh dill or parsley over the chicken before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a bright, zesty note.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely. Place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and tzatziki sauce separately.
Reheating: Reheat chicken souvlaki in the oven or on the grill to maintain its crispy exterior. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
Tzatziki Sauce Storage: Store leftover tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How can I make Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
To make Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free, ensure that your marinade ingredients and tzatziki sauce do not contain gluten. Most of the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels on items like vinegar and seasoning blends. Use gluten-free pita bread or serve the souvlaki with a gluten-free side.
Can I prepare the Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Grill the chicken just before serving for the best results. You can also prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt as a substitute. However, Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, so the tzatziki sauce might be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt, ensuring it is unsweetened and unflavored.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Souvlaki is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors with every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Souvlaki
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including Marinating ))
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with this easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs are grilled to perfection and served with warm pita bread and homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a delicious, healthy meal, this recipe is a great way to enjoy authentic Greek flavors at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4–5 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Marinade:
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
For the 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
For Serving:
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.
- Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked with grill marks.
- Serve:
- Warm pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Serve grilled chicken with pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, fresh lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for extra tenderness and flavor.
Ensure the wooden skewers are fully soaked to prevent burning on the grill.
Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
