Let’s make a tasty Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce with classic Greek flavor. This is a tender chicken soaked in a bright lemon-garlic marinade, topped with creamy sauce. Below, you will find a detailed Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce recipe that will allow you to make a popular Greek street dish at home!
Ah, the aromatic allure of Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce! Your recipe brilliantly captures the essence of Greek street food, offering that perfect blend of lemony zest and garlic-infused tenderness. The choice of ingredients and the detailed steps ensure an authentic taste that transports us to the streets of Athens.
What is a Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a traditional Greek dish consisting of grilled, skewered pieces of chicken, marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and salt. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served with tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, green onions, mint, pepper and salt. It is often used to season or dip various Greek dishes. Chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce is liked for its bright flavors, the tenderness of the grilled chicken, and the fresh, spicy taste of the tzatziki sauce.
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Origin
The origins of the chicken souvlaki can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where meat on a skewer was a common meal enjoyed at outdoor gatherings and festivals. The word “souvlaki” itself comes from the Greek word “souvla,” which means skewer. Originally, souvlaki referred to any meat skewered over an open flame. Over time, it evolved into a specific dish.
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
Kabobs:
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a marinade base. It adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic: Garlic adds spice to the marinade and infuses the chicken with its aromatic taste.
- Lemon juice: It adds acidity to the marinade, which tenderizes the chicken and gives it a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Dried oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, herbaceous flavor to marinades.
- Salt and Pepper: Use the salt to enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
- Chicken breast: Use skinless, boneless chicken breast. It is the primary protein of this dish.
Sauce:
- Greek-style yogurt: It provides a tangy, rich flavor and forms the creamy base of the sauce.
- Cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing and slightly crunchy texture to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Add white vinegar to balance the flavors of the yogurt and cucumber with a light tang and acidity.
- Garlic: It complements the other ingredients with a pungent and savory flavor.
- Dill, parsley, green onions, and mint: These herbs provide a vibrant and herbaceous taste that complements the other ingredients in the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances the taste of the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Making Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple steps. You can make it with minimal effort and in no time. This makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. Let’s take a step-by-step look at Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce.
- First, clean the chicken breast if necessary. Cut it into even pieces (one breast should get from 6 to 9 cubes).
- Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and add to the chicken, then add the zest of one lemon. Then, add the juice of half a lemon. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Let the chicken marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Cut the peppers into triangles.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber on a grater with small holes and squeeze out the juice. Chop the herbs and mint.
- Add the grated cucumber, finely chopped garlic (2 cloves), chopped herbs, and mint to the Greek yogurt, add 0,1 ounces (2-3 g) of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Thread the chicken and peppers one by one onto wooden skewers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 428 degrees F (220 degrees C) and bake the souvlaki for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the souvlaki from the oven and serve with tzatziki sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
You can serve these kebabs as an appetizer or as a full meal. They will keep for a long time and are perfect for lunch the next day. Add tomatoes, peppers, or any vegetable of your choice to customize your kabobs.
How to Store Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
To store the leftovers, put the cooked chicken and the tzatziki sauce in separate air-tight containers. You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that you tightly close the containers to preserve the freshness of the dish. When ready to serve, heat the chicken before eting and stir the tzatziki sauce well before using.
The perfect recipe for a main course on the Paleo diet. Quality chicken protein, a natural sauce with probiotics to support gut microbiome health, as well as aromatic and beneficial spices - all these ingredients make the dish almost exemplary (whether you're aiming to lose weight or gain muscle mass). Pair it with light low-carb vegetables as a side dish if you want to lose weight, or opt for whole grains as a garnish if you're looking to gain mass. In any case, you'll get a complete and balanced meal.
Clean the chicken breast if necessary. Cut it into even pieces (one breast should get from 6 to 9 cubes).
Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and add to the chicken, then add the zest of one lemon. Add the juice of half a lemon. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Let the chicken marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Cut the peppers into triangles.
Make the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber on a grater with small holes and squeeze out the juice. Chop the herbs and mint.
Add the grated cucumber, finely chopped garlic (2 cloves), chopped herbs, and mint to the Greek yogurt, add 0,1 ounces (2-3 g) of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Thread the chicken and peppers one by one onto wooden skewers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 428 degrees F (220 degrees C) and bake the souvlaki for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
Remove the souvlaki from the oven and serve with tzatziki sauce.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to the marinade. It lends a subtle smokiness that beautifully complements the grilled chicken. Serve with warm pita and a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast!
