Simply Sensational Chicken Souvlaki with Homemade Tzatziki
Recipe Introduction
Ever feel like you need a taste of sunshine? This greek chicken souvlaki recipe will bring that sunshine to your kitchen! It's packed with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs.
Quick Hook
Honestly, who doesn't love a good skewer? This isn't just any skewer, mate. This is a trip to Greece, one bite at a time.
The best chicken souvlaki recipe will transport you straight to the islands.
Brief Overview
The humble souvlaki is basically Greek street food royalty. It's simple, delicious, and has been a staple for ages. Ready in under an hour, even with marinating time, it makes 4-6 servings.
This homemade souvlaki recipe is easier than you think!
Main Benefits
This recipe is all about fresh flavours and lean protein. It's a brilliant source of protein, keeping you full and fueled.
It's perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. What makes this particularly special? The homemade tzatziki of course!
Fancy some tender chicken bursting with flavour? Our easy chicken souvlaki marinade does just that. Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
Olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper. Give the chicken a good bath in this mix. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
The longer, the tastier!. Some people uses Chicken Marinates but fresh ingredients are the real deal!
Now, onto the magic sauce! You know, that creamy, dreamy Greek sauce for chicken ? It's called Tzatziki. One study found that diets rich in Greek yogurt could reduce the risk of heart disease by 20 percent.
Mix greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Put it in the fridge to chill.
This is essential for the Authentic Greek Souvlaki experience. And don't be shy with the Tzatziki Sauce Uses .
These Greek Chicken Skewers need to be grilled now. Thread the chicken onto skewers. Heat your grill or grill pan.
Grill those babies for about 5- 7 minutes per side. Important : Make sure they reach a safe internal temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) .
Serve in warm pita bread. Add red onion, tomatoes, and parsley. The Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is ready to go.
Oh, and don't forget! Serving with Chicken Souvlaki with Pita bread is a must! It's the perfect vehicle for all that flavour.
So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and let's get cooking.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Souvlaki Starter Pack!
Alright, love, let's talk about what you actually need to make this incredible Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe . It's easier than you think, honestly.
We are going to show you the Best Chicken Souvlaki Recipe ever! No need to stress!
Main Ingredients For Your Souvlaki Sensation
Okay, so here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. For the Chicken Marinates , we're talking about:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1 inch cubes.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Go for a decent one, not the cheap stuff.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes. (Optional, but adds a nice kick).
For that creamy Greek Sauce For Chicken –the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt. Full fat is best for flavour, but low-fat works too.
- 1/2 cup (60g) cucumber, grated and squeezed dry. Seriously, squeeze it!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
And to finish off this Authentic Greek Souvlaki experience, you'll need:
- Skewers (wooden or metal). If using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid cremating them!
- Pita bread, warmed.
- Optional toppings: sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley.
I remember one time, I didn't soak my wooden skewers and they literally went up in flames! Lesson learned. Always soak those bad boys.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Your Souvlaki!)
Oregano and thyme are key here. They're like the rock stars of the Easy Chicken Souvlaki Marinade . Don't skimp! Red pepper flakes add a lovely warmth if you're feeling adventurous.
If you don't have fresh dill for the Tzatziki Sauce Uses , dried dill will do in a pinch, but fresh is so much better. Trust me.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
You really don’t need much for this Homemade Souvlaki Recipe , thankfully. The bare essentials are:
- Mixing bowls. Obvs.
- A grater (for the cucumber).
- A garlic press (optional, but makes life easier).
- Skewers.
- A grill or grill pan. I prefer a grill for that smoky flavour, but a grill pan works just fine indoors.
Honestly, you could probably get away with using a frying pan if you're really stuck. Just saying. Get ready to enjoy this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe .
This Greek Chicken Skewers recipe is a game changer! It is the Chicken Souvlaki with Pita heaven!
Cooking Method: Nailed It! Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Honestly, the thought of making my own greek chicken souvlaki recipe used to intimidate me! I'm no Michelin star chef, just a regular bloke who loves good grub.
But trust me, this is easier than ordering a takeaway. This is a great Homemade Souvlaki Recipe .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Safety First!
First, gather your ingredients. Essential mise en place is key! Chop the chicken into roughly 1 inch cubes. Mince the garlic.
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water seriously, don't skip this, or you'll end up with watery Tzatziki Sauce Uses .
This little trick is essential to guarantee you that your creamy Greek Sauce For Chicken will stay thicc. And if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water now! This stops them from turning into charcoal on the grill.
Grilling like a Greek God: step-by-step
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes , or up to 2 hours . The longer, the better , that is the secret of a Easy Chicken Souvlaki Marinade .
- While chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Sorted.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Don't overcrowd them!.
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Cook the Greek Chicken Skewers for 5- 7 minutes per side, until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Warm the pita bread. Serve everything together with your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe and tzatziki.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Souvlaki Success
- Don't overcook the chicken! Seriously, nobody wants dry souvlaki. Use a meat thermometer.
- To get the perfect Authentic Greek Souvlaki , use good quality olive oil! This is the Best Chicken Souvlaki Recipe .
- Chicken Marinates can be made a day ahead. Marinate overnight for max flavour.
- Try not to overcrowd the skewers. A little space helps it cook evenly.
Honestly, once you get the hang of it, this Chicken Souvlaki with Pita becomes a regular thing. It is amazing, fresh, and a real crowd pleaser. Give it a go and enjoy.
Recipe Notes: My Two Penneth
Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty, shall we? This greek chicken souvlaki recipe is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things that I've learned along the way that might help you nail it.
I swear this is the best chicken souvlaki recipe I've made, and trust me, I've made a few.
Ace Serving Ideas
Presentation is key, my friend. Think about plating your chicken souvlaki with pita for that authentic feel. A swirl of tzatziki, a sprinkle of parsley.
.. you get the picture. For sides, I'm a sucker for some lemon roasted potatoes. They are the perfect comfort food.
Wash it all down with a crisp Greek beer Mythos, anyone?
Storage Sorted
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (unlikely!), store the chicken separately from the pita and tzatziki. Pop the chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave. Honestly, homemade souvlaki recipe is best fresh, but sometimes life gets in the way, you know?
Freezing? I wouldn't bother. The tzatziki will split, and the chicken might dry out. Live and learn!
Twists and Turns
Fancy a change? For a gluten-free version, ditch the pita and serve your greek chicken skewers with a big old salad.
Simple! If you are looking for different chicken marinates , Use rosemary and lemon zest for a summery vibe. Or, for a bit of winter warmth, go for smoked paprika and garlic.
Seasonal swaps keep things interesting.
Nutrition Nuggets
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is actually pretty good for you! It is packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Greek yogurt in the tzatziki adds a dose of calcium and probiotics. Of course, keep an eye on the pita carbs can sneak up on you.
The Authentic Greek Souvlaki recipe is quite healthy.
So there you have it. My little notes to help you conquer this easy chicken souvlaki marinade . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.
Get in the kitchen and start creating. Enjoy, and let me know how it goes!
That Greek sauce for chicken is just the icing on the cake for this awesome dish. The tzatziki sauce uses are vast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken for this greek chicken souvlaki recipe? Is there such a thing as too long?
For the best flavour, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is ideal. Marinating it for longer than 2 hours can cause the lemon juice to start breaking down the chicken fibres, resulting in a slightly mushy texture.
So, a couple of hours is the sweet spot think of it as a 'Goldilocks' amount of marinating!
My tzatziki sauce always ends up watery. What am I doing wrong?
The key to a thick and creamy tzatziki, like the kind you'd get on holiday in Santorini, is to remove as much excess moisture from the cucumber as possible! Grate your cucumber, then wrap it in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to release the water before mixing it with the other ingredients.
This stops your sauce from becoming a bit of a swimming pool!
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden skewers for this greek chicken souvlaki recipe?
Absolutely! Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative to wooden skewers. Just be mindful that they can get very hot on the grill, so use tongs or oven gloves when handling them.
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken this prevents them from burning on the grill.
What's the best way to store leftover greek chicken souvlaki?
Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. It's also important to store the tzatziki separately, also in an airtight container, as it will stay fresh for a similar amount of time.
Nobody wants food poisoning at their next BBQ!
Is there a low-carb option for serving this greek chicken souvlaki recipe?
Yes, definitely! Skip the pita bread and serve your chicken souvlaki with a generous Greek salad (Horiatiki Salata) or alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. You could even serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a satisfying and healthy low-carb meal.
It's as flexible as a yoga instructor!
Simply Sensational Chicken Souvlaki With Homemad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 7.5g |
