This vibrant recipe combines the smoky flavors of American BBQ with the fresh, herbaceous notes of Greek cuisine. Juicy grilled chicken skewers, marinated in a tangy BBQ-inspired tzatziki, are served over a bed of lemony orzo and topped with sweet corn salsa, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing for a fusion that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Lemony Orzo Base:
- 200g (1 cup) orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp honey mustard dressing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Cook the Orzo:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Toss the cooked orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Corn Salsa:
- In a bowl, combine grilled corn, red onion, tomato, cucumber, dill, olive oil, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Start with a base of lemony orzo in each bowl.
- Top with grilled chicken souvlaki skewers.
- Add a generous scoop of sweet corn salsa.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle honey mustard dressing over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired. Serve immediately and savor the fusion of flavors!