Mediterranean Chicken Soulvaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. This classic Greek dish is full of bold flavors from garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, perfect for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner. The tzatziki adds a cool contrast to the spiced chicken.
Time & Yield:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
4. Serve:
Serve the chicken Soulvaki hot with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. You can also serve it with warm pita, grilled vegetables, or a Greek salad.
Notes & Tips:
Chicken Option: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
For extra char: Grill over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to get a nice, crispy exterior.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Q2: Can I use wooden skewers?
A: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Q3: Can I use a different protein?
A: Yes! Lamb or shrimp also work great for Soulvaki. Simply adjust the marinating time for shrimp (about 15-30 minutes) and lamb (about 1-2 hours).
Q4: Is tzatziki sauce vegetarian?
A: Yes, tzatziki is typically vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using dairy-free yogurt.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~7g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~1g
Enjoy your delicious, juicy Mediterranean Chicken Soulvaki with Tzatziki Sauce!