Description
A tender, high-protein chicken souvlaki recipe using a Greek yogurt marinade that keeps the meat juicy and allows kids to safely help with prep. Perfect for grilling and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until a thick paste forms.
- Pour marinade over chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use.
- Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. Optionally add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with pita bread, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Do not marinate for more than 24 hours as the acid can make the texture mushy. Ensure chicken is cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soaking them is crucial to prevent burning. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier result.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken souvlaki, greek yogurt marinade, high protein recipe, kids cooking, easy dinner, grilled chicken, mediterranean food, family friendly meals