Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the savory flavors of Greece with this tantalizing Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection, are paired with refreshing tzatziki sauce and served with classic accompaniments like lemon wedges, rice, and Greek salad. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 | Plain yogurt |
| 1 1/4 | Cucumber |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| – | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 1/4 | Dried dill |
| 2 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 1 1/2 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 4 | Pitas |
| 4 | Butter |
| 6 | Cherry tomatoes |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Lemon wedges |
| 1/3 cup | Pitted black olives |
| – | Salt |
Instructions:
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In a glass bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
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Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour to enhance the flavors.
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Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and place it in a separate glass bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the grated cucumber and set it aside. This helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumber.
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Line a large strainer or colander with paper towels and place it over a bowl. Spoon the plain yogurt into the strainer and let it drain in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step helps to thicken the yogurt, resulting in a creamy tzatziki sauce.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
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After draining, squeeze the grated cucumber to remove any excess liquid. In a bowl, combine the strained yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, dried dill, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve.
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Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Grill the chicken skewers over high heat, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-6 minutes per side.
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While the chicken is grilling, prepare the pitas. Spread butter on both sides of each pita bread. Grill the pitas on both sides until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, approximately 4 minutes in total. Cut the grilled pitas into quarters.
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To assemble the Chicken Souvlaki, place the grilled pitas on serving plates. Top them with sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, and the cooked chicken skewers. Serve alongside lemon wedges, pitted black olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
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Enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki with family and friends, accompanied by your favorite sides such as rice and Greek salad, for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece! 🍋🥒🍅🍗
