High Protein Chicken Dinner: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Marinated chicken, cool tzatziki, maybe some pita on the side. This Greek classic is a high protein chicken dinner that tastes like a Mediterranean vacation.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1.5 lbs
  • plain Greek yogurt 1 cup
  • English cucumber 0.5 cup
  • lemon 1 piece
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • red onion 0.5 cup
  • pita bread 4 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • dried oregano 2 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • fresh dill 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 26%
Protein 31 g 36%
Fat 12 g 32%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Trim and cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, then set aside in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, juice and zest from the lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken and toss thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for more flavor.

  3. 3

    For the tzatziki, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper, then chill.

  4. 4

    Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until they have clear grill marks and reach 165°F internal temperature.

  5. 5

    Warm pita bread slices briefly on the grill. Serve chicken skewers on a plate with a generous spoonful of tzatziki, sliced red onion, and pita bread on the side.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The heart of this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast, which provides a lean texture and high protein content. The marinade, featuring olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, is essential in giving the souvlaki its authentic Greek flavor.
Q. Which step is most important for juicy chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the seasoned olive oil and lemon mixture is crucial. This step not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with Greek flavors, ensuring the chicken stays moist when grilled over medium-high heat.
Q. How do I prevent dry or tough chicken in this recipe?
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Grill over medium-high heat and turn skewers once, cooking for 4–5 minutes per side. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove promptly. Also, cutting the chicken into uniform cubes helps with even cooking.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each serving contains about 340 kcal, with 31g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. The protein-to-carb ratio is roughly 36% protein to 26% carbs, making it suitable for those seeking a high protein dinner.
Q. Does this recipe qualify as Mediterranean or DASH diet friendly?
Yes, this Greek souvlaki recipe emphasizes olive oil, lean chicken, fresh herbs, and vegetables, fitting Mediterranean principles. Its sodium content is moderate and it uses lean protein, so it aligns well with DASH diet guidelines.
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