Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Get ready to experience juicy, flavorful chicken souvlaki that will transport your taste buds to Greece.
We're diving into a simple recipe, complete with a revitalizing homemade tzatziki sauce, that will elevate your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
To whip up some seriously tasty Chicken Souvlaki, here's what you'll need – trust me, it's easier than trying to parallel park on a busy street!
For the chicken, I grab about 1.5 lbs of thigh fillets (or breast), cut into 1-inch pieces! The marinade? Two tablespoons of olive oil, a quarter cup of lemon juice, three minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons of dried oregano, half to three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt, and some black pepper. For a sweeter flavor, you could even try adding a dash of honey like you would in the ultimate chicken marinade.
To cook and serve that chicken goodness, I use one tablespoon of olive oil, some flatbreads, lettuce, and tomato slices!
I can't forget the Tzatziki. Get two Lebanese cucumbers (that's about ½ cup grated). I also use 1 1/4 cups of Greek yogurt, two teaspoons of white wine vinegar, one tablespoon of lemon juice, half a minced garlic clove, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and some black pepper.
Instructions
Now, I'm going to tell you how to put these ingredients together and give you the full instructions! First, grab a bowl, toss in your chicken and marinade—that's the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper—and let it sit. We're talking at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better!
Next, thread the chicken onto skewers. I usually get about 8 skewers, but you do you!
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet on high heat, or fire up your grill! Cook those skewers for about 3 minutes on each side, until they're cooked through and looking delicious – don't want any raw chicken! Many cooks insist on using a lemon-butter sauce to enhance the flavor profile of chicken dishes.
Finally, serve up the Chicken Souvlaki. Flatbreads, lettuce, and tomato slices are all excellent additions. It is simple as that!
Tzatziki
With the chicken prepped, it is time for Tzatziki—and trust me, you haven't lived until you've tasted homemade tzatziki sauce!
First, let's tackle the cucumber. You'll need two Lebanese cucumbers. Halve them, scrape out the seeds, and grate coarsely. Squeeze out the excess liquid—this's essential, unless you want watery tzatziki—using paper towels or a tea towel. Aim for about ½ cup of grated cucumber.
Now, in a bowl, combine the cucumber with 1 1/4 cups of Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and ½ a minced garlic clove. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil – add a bit more if you're feeling indulgent! Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper.
Stir it all together. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can meld—patience is a virtue, I know!
Recipe Notes
Pop the chicken and marinade into ziplock bags, then freeze them right away! It's a great make-ahead hack—the chicken marinates as it defrosts. Just thread it onto skewers when you're ready to cook.
I love serving my Chicken Souvlaki with Easy Soft Flatbread—that's a recipe without yeast! It's perfect for wrapping up all the yummy goodness.
Want a full Greek feast? I'm talking about Greek Salad and Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf! You can find the complete meal ideas on my page. It's a party in your mouth! Don't skimp on the tzatziki—it's the glue that holds it all together, figuratively speaking, of course.
Nutrition Information
Okay, so here's the lowdown on what's inside each serving. We're talking 367 calories – not too shabby, right? You're also getting a whopping 49.7 grams of protein! I'm telling you, this souvlaki is a protein powerhouse.
Here's a quick rundown of some key nutrients:
- Fat: 16.4g – gotta have some flavor!
- Carbs: A tiny 2.5g – practically carb-free!
- Sodium: 441mg – watch that salt if you're sensitive.
- Iron: 3.1mg – building strong blood, one souvlaki at a time!
That's based on one serving, about 194 grams, minus the flatbread and toppings, of course; otherwise, your count may vary! Remember, I'm just giving you the deets. Enjoy responsibly!
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken overnight.
- Prepare tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice.
- Cook chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve: Serve souvlaki with tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 7g