Growing up in a Greek family, Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis was a staple in our household. The aroma of the grilled chicken, the tangy lemon, and the fresh vegetables would fill the air, instantly transporting me to the sunny islands of Greece. It wasn’t just a meal – it was a cultural experience, a celebration of the vibrant flavors that defined my heritage.
As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen, I knew I had to perfect my family’s Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe. It took some trial and error, but after countless iterations, I finally cracked the code. This dish has become a go-to for me, not just for its incredible taste, but for its incredible health benefits too.
Why This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
The secret to this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The combination of the grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce is an explosion of Mediterranean goodness in every bite.
But it’s not just the taste that sets this recipe apart – it’s the health benefits too. By using lean chicken breast, fresh produce, and a Greek yogurt-based sauce, this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is a nutritious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and nourished.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The success of this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. They’re a lean protein that’s packed with essential nutrients.
- Olive Oil: This heart-healthy fat helps to lock in the flavors and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Lemon Juice: The bright, tangy lemon juice adds a refreshing zing to the marinade and the tzatziki sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, elevating the Mediterranean flavors.
- Herbs: Dried oregano and basil lend a fragrant, earthy note to the chicken, while fresh dill in the tzatziki sauce provides a burst of herbal freshness.
- Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add crunch, color, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Feta Cheese: This creamy, salty cheese provides a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
- Greek Yogurt: The tangy, protein-rich yogurt forms the base of the flavorful tzatziki sauce.
Step-by-Step Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Instructions
Preparing Your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
With a total time of just 40 minutes (30 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking), this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is the perfect choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal. All you’ll need is a cutting board, a large bowl for marinating, and a grill or grill pan.
1- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’ll cook evenly. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
2- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
3- Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
4- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, then combine them in a bowl.
5- In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create the creamy tzatziki sauce.
6- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers and arrange the grilled chicken, diced vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese on a serving platter. Serve the tzatziki sauce on the side, allowing your guests to assemble their own Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, for maximum flavor.
- Use wooden or metal skewers to make the chicken easier to handle and grill.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying it out.
- Slice the vegetables thinly for a more authentic Greek salad texture.
- Make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of black pepper in the marinade.
- Serve the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis with warm pita bread or on a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.
Serving and Storing Your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
Perfect Pairings for Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is designed to serve 4 people, making it an ideal main dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a laidback weekend gathering. To round out the meal, consider pairing it with a fresh Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.
For beverages, a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, would complement the flavors perfectly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing cucumber-infused water or a zesty lemon-lime soda would also be a great choice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile when it comes to storage and meal prep. The grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
For longer-term storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The tzatziki sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, allowing you to quickly assemble the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis whenever the craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
Creative Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Variations
While the classic Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish. For a Mediterranean twist, try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or lamb. You could also experiment with different vegetable combinations, such as adding roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, or diced zucchini.
For a heartier meal, serve the Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis over a bed of cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat. You can also transform it into a wrap by serving the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce in a warm pita or flatbread.
Making Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis Diet-Friendly
This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is already quite nutritious, but there are a few modifications you can make to cater to specific dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply serve the chicken and toppings on a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice instead of pita bread. To make it vegan, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, and swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative, such as crumbled firm tofu or vegan feta.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can reduce the amount of pita bread or eliminate it entirely, and increase the portion of vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work perfectly well in this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall flavor and texture will be just as delicious.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, or simply look for juices that run clear when you cut into the thickest piece.
Q: Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it a great option for meal prep and ensures you have a flavorful sauce ready to go when you’re ready to assemble your Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is designed to serve 4 people, with each serving consisting of the grilled chicken, salad, and a generous portion of the tzatziki sauce.
Q: What should I do if the chicken is tough or dry?
A: If the chicken turns out tough or dry, it’s likely that it was overcooked. Next time, be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s grilling, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also try marinating the chicken for longer to help keep it moist and tender.
Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean with this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe. Tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a fresh Greek salad and creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
6. In another bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to make the tzatziki sauce.
7. Serve the grilled chicken souvlakis with the Greek salad and tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken souvlakis with grilled pita bread or a side of roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Conclusion
This Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis recipe is a true taste of the Mediterranean, combining the bold flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs with the freshness of grilled chicken and vibrant vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next backyard gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
The best part? It’s not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. So why not give it a try and let the flavors of Greece transport you to a sun-drenched island oasis, right from the comfort of your own home? I promise, this Healthy Greek Chicken Souvlakis will become a go-to recipe that you’ll return to again and again.
