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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Grilled Vegetables Recipe

4.7 from 637 reviews

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers tender, juicy grilled chicken cubes marinated in a bright and herbaceous mixture of lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and oregano. Perfectly cooked on the grill or stovetop, these flavorful kebabs are served with warm Greek pita bread, fresh tomatoes, red onion slices, and creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Mediterranean meal experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 lemons – juice only (use 3 if lemons are not very juicy)
  • 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
  • 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
  • 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 11.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Serve

  • 68 Greek pita bread (warmed)
  • 2 tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive or canola oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste to ensure proper seasoning before adding chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the 1-inch cubed chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to coat all pieces. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for best flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Soak wooden skewers in water for 45 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat with two temperature zones if possible.
  4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each soaked skewer, spacing pieces evenly.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning 90 degrees every turn, for even grilling, about 16-20 minutes total, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Heat the Pita Bread: While the chicken cooks, lightly brush Greek pita bread with olive oil and warm on the grill until pliable and slightly toasted.
  7. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice tomatoes and thinly slice red onion. Arrange these on a serving platter.
  8. Serve: Remove chicken from skewers and build sandwiches by topping warm pita bread with grilled chicken, sliced tomato, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
  9. Alternative Stove-top Cooking: If not grilling, preheat a skillet on the stove with a little oil. Arrange skewers evenly without overlap. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, turning chicken every 3-4 minutes to achieve golden-brown edges and cook through, about 16-20 minutes total.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the chicken for more than 12 hours as the acid from lemon juice can break down the meat excessively.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on preference.
  • If grilling is not an option, cooking the skewers in a skillet is a perfect alternative.
  • Adjust salt based on your taste, especially if using store-bought tzatziki as it may contain salt.

Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken, Grilled Chicken Kebabs, Tzatziki Chicken, Greek Pita Sandwich