Memorial Day Recipe Spotlight: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

We may be restricted to our homes this Memorial Day, but this Greek chicken souvlaki recipe will take you straight to the streets of Athens! Like kabobs, the greek word, souvlaki, simply means “meat on skewers,” and it also describes the Greek meal which includes warm pita, loaded with perfectly marinated grilled meat and topped with tzatziki sauce. This dish can be prepared inside or grilled outside, and is courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki – yields 10 to 12 skewers 

Ingredients:

For Souvlaki Marinade: 

• 10 garlic cloves, peeled 
• 2 tbsp dried oregano 
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp sweet paprika 
• 1 tsp each Kosher salt and black pepper
• ¼ cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil 
• ¼ cup dry white wine 
• Juice of 1 lemon 
• 2 bay leaves 

For Chicken: 

• 2 ½ lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

Pita Fixings:

• Greek pita bread 
• Tzatziki Sauce 
• Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the marinade. In the bowl of a small food processor, add garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice (do NOT add the dried bay leaves yet). Pulse until well combined.

1. Place chicken in a large bowl and add bay leaves. Top with marinade. Toss to combine, making sure chicken is well-coated with marinade. cover tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
2. Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes or so. Prepare tzatziki sauce and other fixings, and if you’re adding Greek salad or other sides, prepare those as well.
3. When ready, thread marinated chicken pieces through the prepared skewers.
4. Prepare outdoor grill (or griddle). Brush grates with a little oil and heat over medium-high heat. Place chicken skewers on grill (or cook in batches on griddle) until well browned and the internal temperature registers 155° on the instant read thermometer. Be sure to turn skewers evenly to cook on all sides, about 5 minutes total. (Adjust temperature of grill if necessary). While grilling, brush lightly with the marinade (then discard any left marinade).
5. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, briefly grill pitas and keep warm.
6. Assemble grilled chicken souvlaki pitas. First, spread Tzatziki sauce on pita, add chicken pieces (take them off skewers first, of course) then add veggies and olives.

Recipe and Image link: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki {Video}

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