Flavorful Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce and Traditional Greek Salad

Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with this mouthwatering Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and a vibrant Greek salad, this Mediterranean feast is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare at home, whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill or using a handy grill pan in your kitchen.

Souvlaki, meaning ‘skewer’ in Greek, is a beloved dish featuring succulent, char-grilled meat or fish. Our version uses tender chicken breast, marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano. The result? Juicy, flavor-packed skewers that will have everyone asking for seconds.

While the chicken marinates, you’ll whip up a creamy tzatziki sauce and a crisp Greek salad. The double-duty marinade serves as both a flavor enhancer for the chicken and a dressing for the salad, making this recipe a time-saver without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests at your next backyard barbecue, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a surefire winner. So, let’s dive in and bring a taste of Greece to your dinner table!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 5 tablespoons fresh juice from about 3 lemons
• 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 medium cloves garlic, grated (about 4 teaspoons)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium clove garlic, grated (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

For the Salad:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 small red onions, sliced thin
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded and sliced into thin half moons
• 3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 6 ounces crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 6 pitas

Directions

1. Start by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, fresh oregano, salt, and black pepper. This zesty mixture will serve double duty as both a marinade and salad dressing.
2. Place the chicken cubes in a separate bowl. Add the grated garlic and 7 tablespoons of the dressing. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours, giving it an occasional toss. Remember to set aside the remaining dressing for the salad later.
3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Begin by placing the cubed cucumbers in a strainer set over a bowl. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let sit to drain for about 30 minutes. This step ensures your tzatziki won’t be watery. After draining, gently pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cucumbers with grated garlic, Greek yogurt, and fresh dill. Season to taste with salt. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
5. When the chicken has finished marinating, thread the pieces onto 8 to 12 skewers. Discard any used marinade.
6. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, you may need to cook the skewers in batches. Grill the chicken until it’s well browned and the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5 minutes total.
7. Once cooked, transfer the chicken skewers to a serving platter and let them rest for 3 minutes. While the chicken is resting, quickly grill the pitas to warm them up.
8. Just before serving, prepare the salad. Whisk the olive oil into the reserved marinade. Add tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the skewers alongside the Greek salad, warm pitas, and tzatziki sauce. For the perfect bite, remove the chicken from the skewers and stuff it into the pitas with a generous dollop of tzatziki and a heap of the fresh salad.

Pro Tips:

• For the best tzatziki, don’t skip salting the cucumbers. This step removes excess water, ensuring a thick and creamy sauce.
• If you can’t find Greek yogurt, you can strain regular yogurt through a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh strainer for about an hour to achieve a similar thickness.
• Before grilling, lightly brush your grates or grill pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Feel free to customize your souvlaki. Try swapping chicken for lamb, beef, or even firm fish for a delicious variation.

Nutritional Facts

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a mini Greek vacation on your plate! The combination of juicy, herb-infused chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, and the fresh, tangy Greek salad creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as the star of your next gathering, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. So fire up the grill, pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine, and get ready to enjoy a little slice of Greece in your own home. Opa!