Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious grilled chicken souvlaki recipe. Marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, the tender chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and served with a tangy tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or any time you want to transport your taste buds to the high seas of Greece.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pita bread, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Discard the marinade.
- Grill the chicken skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, dill, grated cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The word 'souvlaki' comes from the Greek word 'souvla,' which means skewer. It is a popular street food in Greece.
Greek yogurt, used in the tzatziki sauce, is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream.
The traditional way to eat souvlaki is to wrap the grilled meat and toppings in a pita bread, creating a delicious handheld meal.
The marinade for the chicken souvlaki can be customized by adding additional herbs and spices, such as paprika or cumin, for extra flavor.