Ah, Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce! Just saying it brings back memories of sunny days filled with laughter, good friends, and—even better—delicious food. I remember one particular summer evening when my best friend and I attempted to recreate that amazing Greek experience we had while traveling through the lovely streets of Athens. Our charming Airbnb host shared her family recipe, and we were determined to recreate that mouthwatering dish. Spoiler alert: we weren’t disappointed!
This dish is perfect for those warm nights when you want to grill and chill, or for when you just want to impress your friends at a dinner party. It’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying! The combination of juicy chicken skewers and creamy, cool tzatziki is simply a match made in culinary heaven. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll find yourself dreaming of Greece!
What’s in Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Chicken thighs can also add more flavor and juiciness if you prefer. I usually stick to organic options when I can.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil brings richness to the marinade and keeps the chicken tender. Believe me; you can taste the difference!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, enhancing all the flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those lemons sitting in your fruit bowl!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that extra flavor kick we all love. Be generous with it—garlic is life!
Oregano: Using dried oregano adds an earthy, herbal aroma. I always opt for Greek oregano if I can find it, as it has a stronger flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the tzatziki sauce. It should be thick and creamy—perfect for dipping! I recommend buying full-fat yogurt for the best taste and texture.
Cucumber: A grated cucumber adds crunch and freshness to the tzatziki. Just remember to squeeze out the excess moisture so your sauce doesn’t become too watery.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning that complements all the other ingredients and enhances their flavors.
Is Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish brings a whole bunch of health benefits to the table.
Chicken: Lean protein is fantastic for muscle repair and overall health. Plus, with all that marinating, it’s packed with flavor without needing excess sauces or heavy seasonings.
Greek Yogurt: Not only does it provide creaminess, but it’s also rich in probiotics, which are great for gut health.
Cucumbers: They have a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated, and are low in calories. What’s not to love?
On the other hand, if you’re watching your sodium intake, just be conscious of how much salt you add to the marinade and the tzatziki.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 medium cucumber, grated
– Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people, and trust me—no one ever walks away from the table hungry!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours to let those flavors develop.
2. **Make the Tzatziki Sauce:** While the chicken is marinating, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, a pinch of salt, and pepper together in a bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some chopped fresh dill for extra flavor. Put this in the fridge to chill.
3. **Prepare the Skewers:** Once the chicken is marinated, thread it onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. **Grill the Chicken:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
5. **Serve:** Remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve the skewers with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Don’t forget to garnish with extra dill if you used it!
Fire Up Your Souvlaki Game!
– For a zesty twist, try adding some smoked paprika to the marinade.
– You can serve your chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, grilled veggies, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
I truly hope you give this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce a try! I promise it will transport you to a sun-soaked Greek island with every bite. And please, if you do, let me know how it turns out and share any of your flavorful twists. Happy cooking, my friend!