Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Name: Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cucumber (grated and drained); 1 tbsp dill (chopped); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/4 tsp salt

35 min 4 servings Medium

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Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Enjoy juicy and flavourful chicken souvlaki skewers with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and vibrant village salad.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Chicken souvlaki is a Greek classic that combines juicy, marinated chicken with the fresh flavours of lemon and oregano. The origin of souvlaki dates back to ancient Greece, where skewering meat was a common cooking method. This dish has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved street food that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. In this recipe, we'll walk you through creating tender chicken skewers that are perfect for grilling. Paired with creamy tzatziki sauce and a simple village salad, these skewers offer a delightful balance of zest, creaminess, and freshness. It's a feast for the senses that will transport you straight to a sunny Greek island.

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken Souvlaki

For the Tzatziki Sauce

Instructions

Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pro tip: For a deeper flavour, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Pro tip: Marinating overnight enhances the flavour.

Prepare the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 200°C (400°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Soaking skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.

Skewer the chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Grill the skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

Make the tzatziki sauce

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Pro tip: For a thicker sauce, strain the yogurt before mixing.

Serve

Serve the chicken souvlaki skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce, warm pita, and a fresh village salad.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.</li><li>For extra flavour, let the chicken marinate overnight.</li><li>Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).</li><li>Serve with warm pita for an authentic experience.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken souvlaki skewers warm, accompanied by a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and a side of fresh village salad. For the full Greek experience, wrap the skewers in warm pita bread, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zest. To prepare in advance, you can marinate the chicken overnight and refrigerate until ready to grill. Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the juicy texture.