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### **How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki**
#### **Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**
1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to infuse.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce**
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezing out any excess water), lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and minced garlic.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the tzatziki aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the chicken.
#### **Step 3: Grill the Chicken**
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. You can also grill the chicken in a grill pan if you don’t have skewers.
3. Grill the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a nice golden-brown char on the outside.
#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and transfer to a plate.
2. Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes.
3. To assemble, place a few pieces of chicken on the pita bread, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and top with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
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### **Serving Suggestions for Chicken Souvlaki**
– **Greek Salad**: Serve the souvlaki with a fresh Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon.
– **Wrap it Up**: Make a quick wrap by adding the grilled chicken to pita bread, along with the tzatziki sauce and veggies. It’s a perfect handheld meal for lunch or dinner.
– **Rice or Couscous**: For a heartier meal, serve the souvlaki with a side of fluffy rice or couscous and a drizzle of extra tzatziki sauce.
– **Grilled Vegetables**: Grill up some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant alongside the chicken for a complete Mediterranean meal.
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
– **Flavors that Pop**: The marinade is full of bold Mediterranean flavors, with the tanginess of lemon, the savory goodness of garlic, and the earthiness of herbs like oregano and thyme. These flavors infuse the chicken, making each bite bursting with taste.
– **Tzatziki Sauce**: This refreshing yogurt-based sauce complements the savory chicken perfectly, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the grilled meat. It also adds an authentic Greek touch that elevates the dish.
– **Quick and Easy**: Chicken souvlaki is surprisingly simple to make, and it cooks quickly on the grill or stovetop. It’s perfect for a fast, flavorful meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
– **Versatile**: Whether you’re making a wrap, serving the chicken with rice, or adding it to a salad, this recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable to suit your tastes.
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Use Chicken Thighs**: For a juicier, more flavorful chicken souvlaki, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay tender and flavorful when grilled.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
– **Meal Prep**: Marinate the chicken the night before and keep the tzatziki sauce ready in the fridge. This way, you can quickly grill the chicken and assemble the souvlaki in no time!
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### **Conclusion**
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your table. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. The tender chicken, flavorful tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies combine to create a satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will love. Give this Greek-inspired dish a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
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