Irresistible Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe
Summer is officially here, and with it comes the irresistible call of the grill! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling food over an open flame, gathering with loved ones, and savoring delicious meals outdoors. For us, it’s a cherished tradition that brings back a flood of warm memories, making it undeniably my favorite season of all. And what better way to celebrate than with these incredibly tender, juicy, and flavor-packed Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, perfectly complemented by a refreshing homemade Tzatziki Sauce? This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a true winner for any backyard BBQ dinner.
This article is brought to you in partnership with Kingsford Charcoal. All opinions expressed are genuinely my own, reflecting my consistent trust in their products for an unparalleled grilling experience. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this culinary journey possible.
Embracing the Spirit of Summer Grilling
For as long as I can remember, summer has meant long, sun-drenched days and evenings filled with the joy of backyard grilling. Growing up along the Jersey Shore, my summers were an idyllic blend of lazy beach days, salty air, and the comforting scent of dinner cooking on the grill. These precious memories, shared with family and friends, laid the foundation for my ongoing love affair with outdoor cooking.
Even now, with my own family, those simple pleasures remain at the heart of our summer routine. We find immense joy in staying home, embracing the tranquility of our backyard, and cooking a mouth-watering meal over the mesmerizing glow of an open flame. It’s more than just preparing food; it’s about creating lasting connections, sharing laughter, and appreciating the simple, delicious moments life offers.
Our summer grilling repertoire is vast and varied. From vibrant Jersey corn, crisp asparagus, and sweet bell peppers for delightful sides, to classic burgers, juicy steaks, and savory hot dogs, our main dishes are always a hit. And let’s not forget dessert – whether it’s gooey s’mores or grilled pound cake adorned with fresh seasonal fruit, there’s always something sweet to finish the feast. The beauty of it all is the collaborative spirit: we simply grab whatever fresh ingredients we have on hand, and everyone pitches in, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the meal itself.
The Secret to Authentic Flavor: Kingsford Charcoal
For this exquisite Chicken Souvlaki recipe, I turned to my trusted partner in grilling: Kingsford Charcoal. When it comes to fueling our grill, Kingsford has been our consistent choice for years, and for good reason. Their charcoal isn’t just about heat; it’s about infusing every dish with that distinctive, smoky, wood-fired flavor that truly elevates backyard BBQ to an art form.
What sets Kingsford apart is its unwavering consistency and the depth of flavor it imparts. Each briquette burns evenly, providing a reliable heat source that’s crucial for perfectly cooked skewers. But more than that, it delivers an unparalleled authentic BBQ taste that simply cannot be replicated by other methods. It’s the kind of smoky essence that makes you close your eyes and truly savor each bite, transforming simple chicken into a gourmet experience. For more delicious recipes and grilling inspiration, be sure to visit their website!
A Family Affair: Grilling and Creating Memories
Beyond the incredible flavor, I adore grilling for its sheer ease and the wonderful way it brings everyone together. While I typically take the lead in the kitchen for everyday meals, grilling is a different story. It’s a full-fledged family event, with my husband, Tom, and our boys eagerly stepping up to assist. Tom, in particular, has earned the title of “Grill Master,” expertly handling the flames and ensuring everything is cooked to perfection. It’s a collaborative dance where everyone has a role, from preparing ingredients to skewering, and of course, the most important role: taste-testing!
To create these incredibly flavorful Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, the process begins with a vibrant, aromatic marinade. I prepare this well in advance, allowing the chicken pieces to soak up all the incredible Mediterranean flavors for a few hours in the refrigerator. This crucial marinating step ensures every bite is bursting with taste and tenderness. Once the chicken is perfectly infused, I thread it onto skewers, alternating with wedges of sweet red onion. Then, I hand these beautiful skewers over to Tom, our resident grill master, who expertly cooks them over the Kingsford charcoal until they’re golden-brown and perfectly done.
The Star Ingredients: Juicy Chicken and Mediterranean Marinade
The choice of chicken thighs for this recipe is deliberate and key to its success. Chicken thigh meat is inherently more forgiving and retains moisture beautifully, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender skewers every time. This robust cut stands up perfectly to grilling and absorbs the marinade like a dream.
Speaking of the marinade, it’s a symphony of fresh, bright, and earthy Mediterranean flavors. It features aromatic fresh garlic, pungent oregano, fragrant rosemary, invigorating mint, and the zesty tang of fresh lemon juice and zest. This harmonious blend transforms the chicken, imparting that unmistakable, authentic Greek taste that transports you straight to the sun-drenched islands with every bite. The paprika adds a touch of warmth and color, while olive oil ensures the chicken stays moist and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
The Perfect Pairing: Creamy, Cool Tzatziki Sauce
No Chicken Souvlaki is complete without its classic companion: Tzatziki Sauce. This cooling, creamy condiment is the perfect counterpoint to the smoky, savory chicken. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, taking just minutes, and can even be made ahead of time to allow the flavors to deepen.
Our homemade Tzatziki combines thick, plain Greek yogurt with finely chopped English cucumber (peeled and seeded for the best texture), minced fresh garlic, vibrant fresh dill, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a delicate splash of extra virgin olive oil. Seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper, this sauce is a refreshing dream. Its cool, tangy profile cuts through the richness of the chicken, adding a layer of freshness that makes each bite utterly irresistible. It’s not just a sauce; it’s an essential part of the Mediterranean experience, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
This truly is a winner, winner, backyard BBQ dinner, folks! It’s time to ignite your grill, grab your Kingsford Charcoal, gather your loved ones, and make some unforgettable summer memories with these delicious Chicken Souvlaki Skewers!
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Achieving the perfect Chicken Souvlaki and Tzatziki is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some cook’s notes to ensure your meal is a resounding success:
- Chicken and Vegetable Choices: While I opted for succulent chicken thighs and vibrant red onion wedges for my skewers, feel free to get creative! Bell peppers in red, green, or yellow hues would add extra color and a delightful sweetness. Cherry tomatoes or zucchini chunks could also be wonderful additions. Just ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size to cook evenly.
- Marination Magic: Don’t rush the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in the flavorful marinade for at least two hours (and up to four for maximum flavor) in the refrigerator is crucial. This not only infuses the meat with incredible taste but also helps tenderize it, guaranteeing those juicy results. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Tzatziki Ahead: For the best flavor, prepare your Tzatziki sauce a day ahead of time. This allows all the ingredients – the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill – to meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious and pronounced taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is properly preheated to a medium-high heat before placing the skewers. A good sear is essential for that delicious grilled char and helps lock in the juices. Don’t overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary to maintain even heat.
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on your grill’s heat and the size of your chicken pieces.
- Resting Time: Once cooked, allow the skewers to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in even juicier and more tender meat.
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Servings: 4 servings
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These Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are tender, juicy and bursting with flavor. Winner, winner, backyard BBQ dinner!
20 mins
15 mins
2 hrs
2 hrs 35 mins
Ingredients
Tzatziki Sauce
- 2 5.3-oz. containers plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium English cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp. fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions
Tzatziki Sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, whisk together until well combined. Chill.
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, rosemary, mint, paprika, salt and pepper until well combined. Pour marinade over chicken. Toss to make sure all chicken pieces are coated well. Place in refrigerator to marinate for two hours.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator and skewer onto wooden skewers with red onion wedges. Prepare your grill for cooking and place each skewer directly over the hot charcoals. Grill over high heat for about 8 minutes. Turn skewers and grill for another 8 minutes or until done. Serve skewers with the tzatziki sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Keyword: Souvlaki, chicken, tzatziki sauce, grilling, bbq
Cuisine: Greek
Course: Main Dish
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