Get ready for a flavor-packed journey with this easy and authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Each bite transports you to the sunlit streets of Athens, where juicy, marinated chicken kebabs are grilled to perfection and paired with tangy Tzatziki sauce. Whether for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, bringing vibrant, fresh flavors right to your table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki because it’s a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The marinated chicken is incredibly juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the tangy Tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your home, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a quick lunch or a festive dinner, sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, these juicy, tender breasts are perfect for soaking up the delightful marinade and delivering a mouthwatering taste.
- Homemade Greek Seasoning: This custom blend of spices ties everything together, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic Greek flavor.
- Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Homemade Greek Seasoning: Olive oil ensures juiciness, while lemon juice adds a zesty brightness. Kosher salt and black pepper season the chicken to perfection.
- Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: Combine crisp English cucumber, bold garlic, and fresh dill for texture and flavor, mix with creamy Greek yogurt for a cooling contrast, and finish with apple cider vinegar and olive oil for a smooth, tangy sauce. Perfect to complement savory dishes.
Ingredients
- Spices and Herbs: These aromatic spices and herbs are the backbone of the recipe, infusing every bite with the vibrant, robust flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Proteins: Juicy, tender chicken breasts are the heart of this dish, soaking up the delightful marinade and delivering a mouthwatering taste.
- Fresh Produce: Fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness, while crisp cucumbers and bold garlic cloves provide a refreshing and flavorful crunch.
- Liquids: High-quality olive oil and apple cider vinegar enrich the marinade and Tzatziki sauce, adding depth and a smooth finish.
- Dairy: Creamy plain Greek yogurt forms the base of our tangy Tzatziki sauce, bringing a cool and refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
- Homemade Greek Seasoning: This custom blend of spices ties everything together, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic Greek flavor.
Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Marinate Thoroughly: Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice make a big difference in taste and aroma.
- Skewer Smartly: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Serve with Homemade Tzatziki: Freshly made Tzatziki sauce with cucumbers, garlic, dill, and Greek yogurt adds an authentic touch.
- Garnish Generously: Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
- Pair with Fresh Sides: Serve with a Greek salad, pita bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
To keep the chicken tender and juicy, be sure not to overcook it. A good marinade enhances flavor and moisture, and using a meat thermometer will help you cook it perfectly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the best results.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Equipment
- grill pan
- metal skewers
Ingredients
For the Greek Seasoning:
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Onion Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried Dill Weed
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 4 Chicken Breasts cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Homemade Greek Seasoning
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 English Cucumber peeled and shredded
- 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Fresh Dill minced
- 2 slices Cucumber for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
- Place shredded cucumber in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine.
- Transfer the cucumber mixture to a cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water. Ensure the cucumber is thoroughly drained.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and remaining salt.
- Add drained cucumber to the garlic mixture along with Greek yogurt, black pepper, and minced dill. Stir until well combined.
- Cover the Tzatziki sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare Greek Chicken Souvlaki:
- In a bowl, combine chicken breast pieces, lemon juice, olive oil, and a tablespoon of homemade Greek seasoning. Mix until chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the chicken to marinate.
3. Grill Chicken Souvlaki:
- Preheat grill or griddle pan to medium-high heat (375°F-450°F).
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- Place skewers on the grill or griddle and cook for 5-6 minutes per side with the lid closed. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, transfer skewers to a platter and serve warm with Tzatziki sauce and garnish with cucumber slices.
