I can still remember the first time I tried Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis. It was during a family trip to Greece, and we had stumbled upon this cozy little taverna tucked away on a quiet side street in Athens. The moment that first bite of tender, flavor-packed chicken hit my tongue, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The perfect blend of tangy lemon, aromatic oregano, and creamy tzatziki sauce – it was a taste of Mediterranean heaven.

Ever since that trip, I’ve been on a mission to recreate the magic of those Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis at home. After countless experiments and taste tests, I’ve finally perfected the recipe. And let me tell you, this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner.

Why This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis

The secret to these Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis lies in the marinade. By letting the chicken soak up the flavors of lemon, garlic, and fragrant oregano, you end up with tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair. And the addition of cumin and black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to balance out the bright, tangy notes.

But the real star of the show is the creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. Made with tangy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a hint of garlic, it’s the perfect counterpart to the flavorful chicken. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be hooked.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to nailing this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The chicken is the foundation of this dish, so make sure to use high-quality, fresh breasts.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil: Olive oil is essential for both the marinade and the tzatziki sauce, providing healthy fats and a rich, smooth texture.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens up the marinade and adds a tangy zing to the chicken.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have for authentic Greek flavors, adding depth and pungency.
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Dried oregano is the signature herb in Greek cuisine, imparting a warm, earthy aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds a subtle smokiness that complements the other spices perfectly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: These simple seasonings help to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 red onion, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes: These fresh veggies add color, crunch, and juicy bursts of flavor to the skewers.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced: Cooling cucumber is a must-have in the tzatziki sauce, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich yogurt.
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: High-quality Greek yogurt gives the tzatziki sauce its signature creamy texture and tangy taste.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Fragrant dill is the perfect herb to complement the cool, refreshing tzatziki.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 clove garlic, minced: These final touches in the tzatziki sauce brighten up the flavors and tie the entire dish together.
  • Pita bread, for serving: No Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is complete without the classic accompaniment of warm, fluffy pita bread.

Step-by-Step Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Instructions

Preparing Your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis

This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is a breeze to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes. You’ll need a few basic tools, like wooden or metal skewers, a large bowl for marinating, and a grill or grill pan to cook the chicken.

1- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even, bite-sized pieces that will cook quickly and evenly.
2- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
3- While the chicken is marinating, prep your veggie skewers. Cut the red onion and red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
4- Once the chicken is ready, thread the marinated chicken cubes, onion pieces, bell pepper chunks, and cherry tomatoes onto metal or wooden skewers, alternating the ingredients.
5- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken skewers for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are lightly charred.
6- Serve the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis hot, alongside warm pita bread and a generous dollop of the creamy tzatziki sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Don’t skip the marinade! The lemon, garlic, and oregano are essential for that authentic Greek flavor.
  2. Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  3. For extra-tender chicken, let the marinated cubes sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  4. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning frequently, to ensure even cooking and charring on all sides.

Serving and Storing Your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis

Perfect Pairings for Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis

This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis makes for a delicious and satisfying 4-serving meal. Serve it alongside a fresh Greek salad, with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted potatoes or a simple bulgur wheat pilaf.

And don’t forget the pita bread! Warm, fluffy pita is the classic accompaniment, perfect for wrapping up the flavorful chicken and creamy tzatziki. As for beverages, a refreshing glass of white wine or a crisp, cold beer would pair beautifully with these Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers of this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separately. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet or on the grill until heated through, and then assemble with the tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

You can also make this dish ahead of time by prepping the marinade and chopping the veggies up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the marinated chicken and prepped ingredients separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook the skewers.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis

Creative Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Variations

While the classic Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish:

  • Try using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
  • Swap out the red bell pepper for yellow or orange for a pop of color.
  • Add sliced kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese to the skewers for a more authentic Greek twist.
  • Grill the chicken and veggies on wooden skewers instead of metal for a rustic, chargrilled look and flavor.
  • Serve the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis over a bed of seasoned rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Making Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Diet-Friendly

This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is already fairly diet-friendly, but there are a few easy swaps you can make to accommodate specific dietary needs:

  • For a gluten-free version, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of leafy greens or with gluten-free pita bread.
  • To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the pita bread and serve the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • For a vegan or vegetarian option, swap the chicken for cubed tofu or portobello mushrooms, and use a plant-based yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. The dark meat will stay juicier and more flavorful, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Q: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to incorporate any liquid that may have separated.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe serves 4 people. If you have a larger group, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a crowd.

Q: What should I do if the chicken is drying out on the grill?
A: If you notice the chicken starting to dry out, try basting the skewers with a bit of the reserved marinade while they’re cooking. You can also cover the grill for a minute or two to help the chicken stay nice and juicy.

Conclusion

Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired weeknight meal. With its tender, flavor-packed chicken, crunchy veggies, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a true taste of the Greek islands – no passport required.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little bit of Greece into your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or entertaining friends, these Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis are sure to be a hit. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home.

Let me know how your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis turns out in the comments below! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations.