Description
This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make weeknight meal featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, pita bread, fresh tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce. Perfect for a quick dinner that brings the vibrant tastes of Greek cuisine to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1” pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Adjust quantity to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 each Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves Garlic (Smashed)
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (Whole fat preferred)
- 1/2 each Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup Finely chopped cucumber
- 1 clove Minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped dill
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (Optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 pieces Pita (Warmed)
- 1 cup Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups Chopped romaine
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, smashed garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the 1-inch pieces of boneless skinless chicken breasts to the bowl with marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor infusion.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken is marinating, mix Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a separate bowl. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Thread the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat and grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Assemble and serve: Warm the pita bread and place grilled chicken on each. Top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked to prevent burning; if using metal skewers, this step is not necessary.
- Whole fat Greek yogurt is recommended for richness in the tzatziki sauce, but low-fat can be used for a lighter option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the tzatziki sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illness.
