Mediterranean Diet Chicken Souvlaki
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with this Mediterranean Diet Chicken Souvlaki recipe, a healthy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. Tender, marinated chicken is infused with bright, citrusy notes from olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, alongside aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. Grilled to golden perfection and served with a creamy homemade cucumber yogurt sauce, this dish is a true Mediterranean delight. Quick to prep and cook, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or summer gatherings, and pairs beautifully with fresh salads, warm pita bread, or grilled vegetables. With lean protein and zesty flavors at its core, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that aligns perfectly with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 8 wooden skewers
Instructions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to create the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for best flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the yogurt sauce. Peel and grate the cucumber, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water.
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown with slightly charred edges.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with the cucumber yogurt sauce on the side. Optionally, pair with a fresh salad or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.7 g | 110% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 603 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 3193 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 236.4 g | 473% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 418 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2377 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
