Description
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant and flavorful Greek-inspired dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano are grilled to juicy perfection and served with creamy homemade tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, and crisp romaine in warm pita bread. This recipe provides a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors that make for an irresistible Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (whole fat preferred)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve
- 4 pieces pita bread, warmed
- 1 cup thinly sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from one lemon, smashed garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with classic Greek flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, juice of half a lemon, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir to combine and chill in the refrigerator until serving.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Assemble and Grill: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, spacing pieces evenly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 6 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature registers 165°F.
- Serve: Warm the pita bread. Serve the grilled chicken skewers nestled in the warm pita with a generous scoop of homemade tzatziki, topped with sliced tomatoes and chopped romaine for a fresh and delicious meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked to avoid burning.
- Tzatziki can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for best taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Serve immediately after grilling for the juiciest chicken.
