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Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Easy Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

Greek chicken souvlaki - featured image
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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, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pita bread or warm flatbreads (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or extra dill for garnish
  • Thinly sliced red onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1.5-inch cubes. Toss chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Grate the peeled cucumber finely and squeeze out excess moisture using a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel.
  4. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  7. Grill the chicken skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Manage flare-ups with a spray bottle of water.
  8. Optionally, warm pita bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until soft and slightly charred.
  9. Serve chicken souvlaki hot with creamy tzatziki sauce, garnished with fresh parsley or dill, sliced red onions, and warm pita bread.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juiciness; breasts can dry out. Squeeze excess moisture from cucumber to keep tzatziki creamy. Soak bamboo skewers before grilling to prevent burning. Manage flare-ups with a spray bottle of water. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling for juiciness. Tzatziki flavors improve if chilled for at least 15 minutes. For dairy-free tzatziki, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe

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