If you are searching for a vibrant and flavorful meal that will instantly brighten up your weeknight dinners, look no further than this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe. It captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with juicy, tender chicken marinated in lively herbs and citrus, paired beautifully with cool, creamy tzatziki and crisp fresh vegetables. This dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony to deliver a classic taste that feels like a warm hug from the Greek islands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing bold flavors and fresh textures. These straightforward components are easy to find and come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delightful to eat.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even grilling and tender bites.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness to the marinade.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it helps tenderize the chicken while adding moisture for grilling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with its fresh acidity, uplifting every component.
- Garlic cloves: Used both in marinade and tzatziki, providing aromatic depth and a characteristic Greek kick.
- Dried oregano: Classic herb that infuses the chicken with an unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Greek yogurt (whole fat preferred): The creamy base of tzatziki that offers a cool contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.
- Finely chopped cucumber: Adds crunch and refreshes the palate in the tzatziki sauce.
- Fresh dill: Bright and fragrant, this herb complements the yogurt and cucumber beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle hint of heat in their tzatziki.
- Pita bread: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping the delightful chicken and vegetable filling.
- Thinly sliced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add freshness and a pop of color.
- Chopped romaine: Crisp greens giving a textural balance and extra freshness to the souvlaki.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smashed garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins, infusing every piece of chicken with bright, herbaceous notes and just the right amount of tang. Be sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly for maximum flavor impact.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your chicken is well coated, cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This slow soak allows the lemon and oregano to penetrate deeply, resulting in irresistibly tender and flavorful grilled chicken pieces.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, a splash of lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate the sauce so the flavors meld and chill until serving time. Tzatziki is the creamy heart of this recipe, bringing coolness and a slight tang that perfectly complements the smoky chicken.
Step 4: Prepare Skewers and Grill Chicken
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, giving each piece enough room for heat to circulate. Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the skewers about 6 minutes per side, until the chicken develops a beautiful char and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This grilling step seals in juices and delivers that signature smoky flavor everyone loves.
Step 5: Assemble the Souvlaki
Warm the pita breads just before serving, then fill each with grilled chicken skewers, a generous dollop of tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. The warm, soft pita wrapping around cool tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and smoky chicken creates a bite that is simply irresistible. Your homemade souvlaki is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your souvlaki with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant finish. Lemon wedges on the side offer an additional fresh burst of acidity that guests can squeeze over their wraps for personalized zest.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with traditional Greek side dishes like a simple Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or some crispy baked potatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic. These sides keep the Mediterranean theme flowing and add complementary textures and flavors to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed on a large platter—grilled chicken, tzatziki, fresh veggies, and pita bread—so everyone can build their own souvlaki. This makes for an interactive dining experience that’s perfect for family meals or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, tzatziki, and pita separates whenever possible to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, remove it from the skewers and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. However, avoid freezing the tzatziki as it can separate and become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a warm oven to keep it juicy. Always add fresh tzatziki after reheating, as it tastes best cold and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick grilling and a tender result, chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer a richer taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with marinated grilled vegetables or halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian take that still pairs wonderfully with tzatziki and fresh greens.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be opaque and juices run clear when cut.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Certainly! The chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and to get those lovely charred edges.
What makes the tzatziki sauce so special?
Tzatziki balances creamy yogurt with crisp cucumber, fragrant dill, and a garlic kick, creating a cool and refreshing sauce that perfectly offsets the warmth and spice of grilled chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe brings the taste of Greece right to your table in a way that’s approachable and downright delicious. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends, it promises satisfaction with every bite. I encourage you to try this vibrant recipe soon—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with this classic Grilled Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano are skewered and grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, fresh tomatoes, and crisp romaine, this dish is the perfect weeknight delight for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Ingredients
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
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves Garlic (Smashed)
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (Whole fat preferred)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup Finely chopped cucumber
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped dill
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (Optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
To Serve
- 4 pieces Pita (Warmed)
- 1 cup Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups Chopped romaine lettuce
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 until combined to create the marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken breast pieces to the marinade. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor infusion.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, juice of half a lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Assemble Chicken Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers, leaving slight gaps between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to avoid sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 6 minutes per side. Grill until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Warm the Pita: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread on the grill or in a toaster until soft and pliable.
- Serve: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill. Serve the grilled chicken on warm pita bread, topped generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer, up to 24 hours, to deepen the flavors.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use whole-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier tzatziki sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added citrus brightness.
- Leftover grilled chicken makes great additions to salads or wraps.
