Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and zesty marinades create a meal guests will love.
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Classic Greek Salad
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its balance of fresh vegetables, quality meats, aromatic herbs, and olive oil. The triad of chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, and Greek salad captures the essence of this Mediterranean tradition, offering a meal that is flavorful, nutritious, and straightforward to prepare at home.
What Is Souvlaki?
Souvlaki, pronounced soo-VLAH-kee, refers to grilled meat skewers typically seasoned with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. While pork is traditional, chicken souvlaki is popular for its tender texture and ability to absorb vibrant marinades. Souvlaki is often served with pita, salad, and sauces, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Essential Components
- Chicken Souvlaki: Marinated and grilled chicken skewers.
- Bright, lemony marinade with garlic and oregano.
- Grilled for smoky flavor and caramelization.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, tart yogurt sauce flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill.
- Cools and compliments the grilled chicken.
- Healthy, probiotic-rich condiment.
- Greek Salad (Horiatiki): A rustic salad featuring fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a simple dressing.
- Vivid, crunchy, and juicy components.
- Balanced with salty feta and briny olives.
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Marinade Preparation
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
Grilling Instructions
- Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Transfer to platter and allow to rest briefly before serving.
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- ½ seedless cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced (or mint)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Place grated cucumber in a fine sieve, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced (leave skin on)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 12–16 Kalamata olives, pitted
- 8 oz feta cheese, sliced or crumbled into large pieces
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, onion, and olives on a platter.
- Top with large pieces of feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
- Sprinkle generously with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately. Best enjoyed at room temperature or lightly chilled.
Serving Suggestions & Meal Assembly
- Serve chicken souvlaki hot on skewers with warm pita bread.
- Accompany with tzatziki sauce in a small bowl or spread inside the pita.
- Plate rustic Greek salad alongside, with extra bread to soak up juices.
- Add lemon wedges and a dash of extra olive oil for finishing.
What others are reading
Tips for Success
- Use quality olive oil: Flavor matters; opt for Greek extra-virgin oil.
- Fresh herbs: Where possible, use fresh dill and oregano for brightness.
- Chill ingredients: Marinate chicken overnight if time allows for best flavor penetration.
- Prep salad just before serving: Keeps veggies crisp and vibrant.
- Feta choice: Sheep’s milk feta, packed in brine, is creamier and tangier than cow’s milk feta.
Variations & Substitutions
- Substitute chicken with pork, lamb, or beef for different flavor profiles.
- Add fresh mint to tzatziki for a subtle twist.
- Include capers or red bell pepper in Greek salad if desired.
- Swap pita for gluten-free flatbread for dietary preferences.
Nutritional Highlights
| Dish | Main Nutrients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Souvlaki | Lean protein, B vitamins | Supports muscle growth, balances satiety |
| Tzatziki Sauce | Calcium, probiotics, healthy fat | Gut health, digestion, bone strength |
| Greek Salad | Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants | Immunity, hydration, heart health |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make chicken souvlaki without a grill?
A: Yes. Use a grill pan or bake in the oven at 425°F on a wire rack until browned and cooked through.
Q: Is Greek salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Traditional Greek salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep vegetables and assemble right before serving. Feta and olives may be added last to preserve texture.
Q: What type of yogurt is best for tzatziki?
A: Thick, full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest tzatziki. Strain regular yogurt to achieve similar results if needed.
Q: Can I prepare souvlaki marinade ahead?
A: Absolutely. The marinade keeps for up to two days refrigerated. Marinating overnight enhances flavor.
Q: Are there vegetarian alternatives?
A: Replace chicken with halloumi cubes or mushrooms for skewers, and serve with the same salad and tzatziki.
Expert Tips for Hosting a Greek Meal
- Pair the meal with chilled white wine or a classic Greek retsina, and finish with fresh fruit or baklava for dessert.
- Set the table with blue and white linens for a Hellenic touch.
- Encourage guests to build their own pita wraps with souvlaki, tzatziki, and salad for family-style dining.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
- Souvlaki: Store cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to preserve moisture.
- Tzatziki: Will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving as it may separate.
- Salad: Keep vegetables separate from dressing and feta if planning ahead. Combine just before serving.
The Spirit of Greek Cooking
Greek food emphasizes simplicity, seasonality, and sharing. The chicken souvlaki, tzatziki, and Greek salad meal is more than the sum of its parts—it’s a celebration of honest flavors brought together at the table. Whether enjoyed on a summer patio or at the kitchen counter, each bite connects you to a tradition of hospitality and health.
Quick Reference Table: Greek Souvlaki Meal
| Component | Preparation Time | Difficulty | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Souvlaki | 15 mins prep, 1 hr marinate, 10 mins cook | Easy | Chicken, olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano |
| Tzatziki Sauce | 10 mins prep, 30 mins chill | Easy | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill |
| Greek Salad | 10 mins prep | Very Easy | Tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion, olives, feta |
Recipe Yield & Scaling
- This recipe yields 4–6 servings, ideal for family meals or casual entertaining.
- Easily scale up for larger gatherings by doubling the quantities.
Conclusion: Make Greek Cuisine a Part of Your Table
By mastering chicken souvlaki, tzatziki, and Greek salad, you bring the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Greece home. This meal offers a delicious balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and zesty herbs, making it a healthy favorite that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Enjoy it with loved ones, and savor a timeless tradition of Mediterranean feasting.
References
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