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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe with Easy Tzatziki Sauce

grilled chicken souvlaki skewers - featured image

Juicy, herbaceous grilled chicken souvlaki skewers paired with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat)
  • ½ medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling when serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  2. Cut the Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss chicken pieces into marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid. Combine cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until serving.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate if using an outdoor grill.
  5. Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Grill the Skewers: Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Move skewers to cooler parts if flare-ups occur.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread or fresh salad.

Notes

Marinate chicken between 30 minutes and 2 hours for best flavor; avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture. Squeeze cucumber moisture thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Rest skewers 5 minutes after grilling for juicy meat. Soak bamboo skewers before use to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, Greek recipe, skewers, easy dinner, backyard barbecue