Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are juicy, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from cucumber, garlic, yogurt, and dill. This quick and flavorful Mediterranean dish is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal, ideal for grilling season or anytime you crave vibrant Greek flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1 inch pieces
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup cucumbers, half peeled and grated
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (divided, ¼ tsp for cucumbers, ¼ tsp for yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 cup whole milk yogurt (Greek or plain)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, pressed garlic, crushed oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Add grated cucumbers to a bowl, season with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Allow the cucumbers to rest for 10 minutes to release excess water. In another bowl, mash grated garlic clove into olive oil using the back of a spoon. Add yogurt and dried dill to the garlic and oil mixture and stir until smooth. Drain the cucumbers using a tea towel and wring out any extra moisture, then combine them into the yogurt mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and up to an additional tablespoon of lemon juice as desired. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your indoor or outdoor grill to 425ºF. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Clean the grill grates and spray with a high heat oil. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning as needed to ensure even cooking until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Remove from heat and serve immediately with tzatziki sauce or wrapped in pitas alongside potato wedges.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon juice in the tzatziki sauce to taste for a more vibrant flavor.
- The yogurt used can be substituted with low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a side of fresh salad or roasted potatoes for a full meal.
