Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
What is Souvlaki?
The word "souvlaki" simply means grilled meat on skewers, but to Greeks, it has a second meaning: the actual meal. This consists of warm pita bread loaded with perfectly marinated grilled meat and topped with Tzatziki sauce. Other fixings are typically included, such as a handful of fries tucked into the pita.
INGREDIENTS OF GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI RECIPE
INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
INGREDIENTS FOR TZATZIKI
- 1/2 c. Greek yogurt, preferably whole fat
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 c. finely chopped cucumber
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped dill
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
INGREDIENTS FOR SERVING
- Pita warmed
- Thinly sliced tomatoes
- Chopped romaine
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI RECIPE
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure each piece is well coated before adding oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Toss again to coat all the pieces then cover the bowl. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or place it in the fridge to marinate for up to 24 hours.
- Meanwhile, make tzatziki: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, cucumber slices, garlic cloves, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. Once everything is combined well, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
- If you plan to use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and begin threading the chicken onto the skewers.
- Grill each side for 6 minutes or until it is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°.
- For a tastier experience, serve this meal in a warmed pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and romaine.
Alternatives
You can replace chicken meat in Greek Chicken Souvlaki with tofu or tempeh for vegans. These food choices are from plants, have lots of protein, and taste good when you put Greek seasonings on them. This way, you can still eat Greek Chicken Souvlaki's delicious flavors but choose not to eat meat.
This recipe uses chicken, but you can also use lamb, pork, or beef if you want to change the type of meat. You should definitely try our homemade tzatziki sauce. It has a creamy texture and herby taste with a hint of tanginess that goes really well with the smoky meat.
If you're dairy-free, opt for a tahini dressing instead. These skewers are great for barbecues. You can also put them in a pita with vegetables and make a tasty lunch. This chicken dish can be used in many different ways.
Dishes to pair with Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be paired with various side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cooling and tangy cucumber yogurt sauce that pairs perfectly with the flavors of souvlaki.
- Pita Bread: Warm and soft pita bread is ideal for wrapping around the souvlaki or for dipping into the Tzatziki sauce.
- Lemon Rice Pilaf: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with basmati rice, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes make a colorful and healthy side dish.
- Spanakopita: A savory spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough.
- Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs, served with a lemony sauce.
- Fasolakia: A traditional Greek green bean dish, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, oregano, and lemon juice.
- Hummus: A creamy chickpea dip, flavored with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, served with pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
By combining Greek Chicken Souvlaki with these side dishes, you can create a delicious and well-rounded Mediterranean feast that will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
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