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Easy Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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A quick and easy Greek chicken souvlaki recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • ½ English cucumber, peeled and grated, then squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
  • Optional toppings: sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, packing pieces close but not squished.
  5. Preheat Grill or Grill Pan: Heat to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) and brush grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes off heat. Serve hot with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and optional toppings.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours. Squeeze excess moisture from cucumber for tzatziki to avoid watery sauce. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flatbread or serve over salad. For dairy-free tzatziki, substitute coconut or almond yogurt and omit dill if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, chicken skewers, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken, easy Greek recipe, backyard barbecue, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-juicy-greek-chicken-souvlaki-recipe-with-homemade-tzatziki-sauce/