Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce recipe. Souvlaki, a beloved Greek street food, features tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. This dish combines succulent pieces of chicken seasoned with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme, delivering a burst of fresh and savory flavors. The accompanying Tzatziki Sauce adds a refreshing and creamy contrast. Made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and dill, this sauce is light yet rich, with a tangy bite from lemon juice and a hint of earthiness from dill. It complements the grilled chicken beautifully and enhances the overall Mediterranean experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is not only delicious but also a healthy option. Serve the souvlaki with warm pita bread, a crisp salad, and a side of tzatziki for a complete and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki with pita bread, a side salad, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumber: Place the grated cucumber in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the tzatziki alongside the chicken souvlaki.
Nutrition Facts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 4 oz of chicken)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Tzatziki Sauce
Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Combined Dish (Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki)
Serving Size: 1 skewer of chicken with 2 tbsp tzatziki
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 12.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. For more precise nutrition information, consider using a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.