Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Pamela Salzman, a cooking instructor and the author of Quicker than Quick (Hachette Go, 2020), shares her super-tasty and healthy chicken souvlaki with tzatziki. It's so good, you probably won't have leftovers, but IF you do, she has a great recipe for turning the chicken and veggies into a quick and easy Taco Pizza!
- 1 ½ teaspoons finely grated lemon or lime zest
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 2 tablespoons unrefined, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large zucchini, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 bell peppers, cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ small red onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped or coarsely grated (Pamela's preference)
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint or dill (optional)
- Sea salt
- 6 whole wheat pitas or cooked rice
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, the garlic, oregano, thyme and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 45 minutes or refrigerated, covered, for up to 6 hours.
Meanwhile, make the tzatziki. In a medium bowl, stir together the cucumbers, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, herbs (if using) and ½ teaspoon salt. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Heat a grill to medium-high. Thread the chicken, zucchini, peppers and onion onto 6 skewers. Brush with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil and season with pepper.
Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Grill pitas (if using) until charred, about 2 minutes per side.
Serve skewers with charred pitas or rice and tzatziki sauce.