Greek Chicken Skewers (with Tzatziki): A Flavorful Odyssey to the Mediterranean

Embark on a culinary odyssey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with our Greek Chicken Skewers. These succulent skewers, marinated in a blend of Greek-inspired spices, promise to transport your taste buds to the charming tavernas of Greece. Paired with a velvety Tzatziki sauce, this recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine—a harmonious marriage of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Join us on this gastronomic adventure as we guide you through the art of crafting these delectable skewers and elevate your home-cooking to a Mediterranean masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 lbs (about 900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Coat Chicken:
   • Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
   • Preheat the grill or grill pan. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. Grill to Perfection:
   • Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a beautiful char.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

5. Prepare Cucumber:
   • Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
6. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
7. Chill Tzatziki:
   • Refrigerate the Tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve Together:
   • Serve the grilled chicken skewers alongside a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce.

Cook Notes

• Uniform Cubes for Even Cooking:
  • Cut the chicken into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
• Double Skewering Technique:
  • To prevent the chicken from spinning on the skewers while grilling, use two skewers for each kebab, parallel to each other.
• Charcoal Grill Infusion:
  • For an added layer of smokiness, consider using a charcoal grill instead of a grill pan.
• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs:
  • While dried herbs work well in the marinade, consider using fresh herbs for garnishing the Tzatziki to enhance the overall freshness.

Variations

Mediterranean Veggie Skewers:

• Intersperse cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions between the chicken cubes for a colorful and flavorful variation.

Lamb Souvlaki Fusion:

• Substitute chicken with lamb cubes for a classic Greek lamb souvlaki experience.

Seafood Delight:

• Experiment with shrimp or chunks of firm fish for a delightful seafood twist.

Keto Versions

Cauliflower Tzatziki Companion:

• Replace cucumber in the Tzatziki with grated cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative.

Avocado Aioli Drizzle:

• Serve the skewers with an avocado aioli made with mashed avocado, mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice.

Grilled Halloumi Garnish:

• Add grilled halloumi cheese cubes to the skewers for an extra keto-friendly layer of richness.

Low-Carb Versions

Zoodle Bed:

• Serve the chicken skewers over zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb base.

Cauliflower Rice Ensemble:

• Pair the skewers with cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Broccoli Couscous Sidekick:

• Create a broccoli couscous by pulsing broccoli florets in a food processor and serve it as a low-carb side.

A Feast of Mediterranean Magic

In conclusion, Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki aren’t just a dish; they’re a feast of Mediterranean magic—a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and the simple joy of savoring a well-crafted meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe, explore variations, embrace keto adaptations, or opt for a low-carb twist, these skewers promise to be a culinary journey to the azure waters and sun-drenched landscapes of Greece.

As you relish each bite, let the smoky aroma of grilled chicken, the herb-infused Tzatziki, and the warmth of Mediterranean spices transport you to a seaside taverna under the Grecian sun. The Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki aren’t just a dish; they’re an invitation to share the joy of good food, good company, and the timeless flavors of the Mediterranean. So, fire up the grill, mix up that Tzatziki, and immerse yourself in the vibrant and delicious world of Greek cuisine. Opa!