Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Are you ready to bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen? Join me for a delicious adventure as we whip up chicken souvlaki and creamy tzatziki sauce! It’s easier than you think, and trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds! Let’s get cooking!

How to Marinate Chicken for Perfect Souvlaki

Marinating chicken for souvlaki is like giving it a delicious spa day! Seriously, it’s all about infusing those Greek flavors into the chicken so every bite is bursting with taste. You just need a few simple ingredients, and trust me, your taste buds will be forever grateful!

Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (the fresher, the better!)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (more if you’re feeling zesty)
• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano (this really brings out the Greek vibes)
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• Black pepper to taste

Now, let’s get this party started! Here’s how to marinate your chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut about 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer) into 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces soak up the marinade better!
2. Mix It Up: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is the magic potion that will make your chicken sing!
3. Marinate: Place the chicken pieces into a resealable bag or bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Toss it all together to coat the chicken evenly, then seal the bag or cover the bowl.
4. Chill Out: Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better! The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets.

And there you have it! You’ve got beautifully marinated chicken ready for skewering. Just remember, if you feel like adding a little twist, throw in some paprika or a dash of cumin too.

This marinating process is not just simple; it’s like a love letter to your taste buds! So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to impress everyone with your homemade chicken souvlaki!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Skewers

Now that we have our chicken perfectly marinated, it’s time to turn those tasty pieces into delicious chicken skewers! Cooking them is easy, and you don’t need to be a master chef to get it right. Let’s get grilling (or frying, if that’s your thing)!

Here’s how to cook those scrumptious skewers:

1. Prep Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, just give them a quick wash, and you’re good to go!

1. Thread the Chicken: Take your marinated chicken pieces out of the fridge and thread them onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need a little space to cook evenly.

1. Heat Things Up: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, add a splash of olive oil to keep things from sticking.

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through—no one likes raw chicken!

1. Check for Doneness: Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut one piece in half; it should be white all the way through.

1. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in, making every bite juicy and tender!

And there you have it! Delicious, juicy chicken skewers ready to be devoured! You can pair them with a crunchy salad, homemade tzatziki, or just load them up in pita bread for the ultimate Greek experience. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Making Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: A Simple Recipe

Oh, the joy of tzatziki sauce! It’s like a cool, creamy hug for your chicken souvlaki. This Greek dip is not just easy to make, it also takes your meal to a whole new level of yum! Let’s whip up some tzatziki that will have your friends and family raving!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Lebanese cucumbers (or one large cucumber)
• 1 1/4 cups of plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar (or any vinegar you have on hand)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 clove of garlic, minced (less if you’re not a garlic fan!)
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Black pepper to taste

Now, let’s get started!

1. Prep the Cucumber: Start by cutting your cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the watery seeds. This step is important! Nobody likes a watery tzatziki. After that, grate the cucumber using a box grater, and then wrap it in a paper towel. Squeeze out any excess liquid—goodbye, sogginess!

1. Mix It All Together: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated cucumber and the Greek yogurt. Add in the vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully combined!

1. Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let your tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together. You can even make it a day ahead.

1. Serve It Up: Once it’s ready, dip your chicken skewers right in, or spread it on your flatbread! You’ll love that creamy, tangy goodness with every bite.

And there you have it—simple, fresh, and oh-so-delicious tzatziki sauce! It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or even just eating with a spoon (no judgment here!). Enjoy this delightful addition to your chicken souvlaki feast!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Greek Feast

Now that we’ve perfected our chicken souvlaki and made that irresistible tzatziki sauce, it’s time to talk about how to serve them! A great meal is all about the presentation and pairings, right? I love creating a feast that not only looks amazing but tastes fantastic too! Here are some ideas to make your Greek dinner unforgettable!

1. Flatbreads and Pita: Start off with fresh flatbreads or pita on the side. They’re perfect for wrapping the chicken and tzatziki together. Plus, who doesn’t love a soft, warm bread? You can make your own flatbread or just grab some from the store!

1. Greek Salad: No Greek meal is complete without a vibrant Greek salad! Toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and a touch of vinegar for a refreshing side that complements the flavors of your souvlaki perfectly!

1. Lemon Rice: This is one of my favorite sides! Fluffy rice cooked with lemon juice and herbs adds a lovely tang. It’s also a great way to soak up any extra tzatziki or juices!

1. Roasted Vegetables: For a colorful twist, add some roasted vegetables to your spread. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant roasted with olive oil and herbs add a delicious touch!

1. Extras: Consider incorporating olives and a cheese platter. A mix of Greek olives and assorted cheeses can make a delightful appetizer while everyone is waiting for the main meal to finish cooking.

1. Beverages: Don’t forget drinks! A chilled white wine or refreshing sparkling water with lemon slices can enhance the meal.

Arranging all these items on a large platter makes it feel like a true feast! It’s all about good food and sharing. Invite friends or family to join in, and you’ll have everyone raving about your delicious Greek-inspired dinner! Enjoy every bite, and remember to have fun with the presentation! Happy feasting!