If you’re dreaming of sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors without leaving your kitchen, you’ll fall head over heels for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki. This iconic Greek dish pairs delightfully juicy, herb-marinated chicken skewers with the cool, creamy tang of homemade tzatziki sauce. Every bite bursts with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and a hit of garlic—then gets mellowed by the irresistible yogurt and cucumber sauce. Whether you’re grilling for family night or hosting a backyard cookout, Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that transform into something truly magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki is how the list of ingredients—though totally straightforward—punches so far above its weight in flavor. Each element brings its own unique charm, from the aromatic herbs to the creamy base, and they all work together to deliver the unforgettable taste and texture this dish is famous for.
- Chicken Breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast—its lean texture soaks up the marinade beautifully and grills to moist perfection.
- Olive Oil: This brings a fruity richness to both the marinade and the tzatziki, adding authenticity and depth to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed is best! It brightens everything and tenderizes the chicken for super juicy results.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A little splash gives the marinade a gentle tang that evokes real-deal Greek street food.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for that classic Mediterranean aroma and savory pop in both the chicken and sauce.
- Dried Oregano: This signature Greek herb delivers earthy, fragrant notes that define the souvlaki experience.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These basics dial up all the other flavors to just the right pitch.
- Greek Yogurt: The star of the tzatziki—creamy, tangy, and luscious for that perfect cooling finish.
- Grated Cucumber: Make sure to squeeze out excess water for a thick and refreshing tzatziki with a bit of crunch.
- Fresh Dill: Interrupts the richness with herbal brightness—don’t skip it if you can help it.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this lively marinade, making sure every morsel gets coated. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes (longer if you have time)—this lets the flavors sink deep into the chicken, promising each bite is juicy and seasoned to the core.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken soaks up all those Greek flavors, turn your attention to the tzatziki. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s been squeezed dry), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix it up until everything’s smooth and luscious, then pop it in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld into that quintessential creamy, tangy sauce.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them just enough so each chunk gets a bit of grill char. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first—nobody wants burnt sticks! This is the step where your kitchen starts to smell utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Grill the Souvlaki
Time for the main event! Grill the chicken skewers over medium-high heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for juicy, golden pieces with little touches of char for that restaurant-worthy finish. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering near the grill—resist the urge to sneak a piece (or don’t, we’re friends here)!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the grilled souvlaki on a platter and invite everyone to dig in. Dollop that glorious house-made tzatziki on the side, or drizzle it right over the skewers (I support both choices). Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki is now ready to take center stage on your table.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Garnishes
Set your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki off with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh dill, a handful of parsley, and a few lemon wedges. Sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and even a sprinkle of feta cheese can offer color and Mediterranean flair that makes your platter irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile, playing just as well with fluffy, warm pita bread as it does with a side of lemony rice. A classic Greek salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, and a little more feta is always a hit, while simply grilled veggies keep things light and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki in warm pita wraps with crunchy lettuce and tomatoes for a portable meal. Or arrange the souvlaki on a family-style platter alongside colorful grains, salads, and plenty of extra sauce in little bowls for sharing. Kids especially love building their own souvlaki wraps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any extra Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki, place the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart ensures the souvlaki doesn’t get soggy, and the flavors stay vibrant. They’ll both keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt’s texture, the marinated or cooked chicken is a great candidate for the freezer. Store it in a sealed container for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Make a fresh batch of tzatziki when you’re ready to eat!
Reheating
Reheat the souvlaki gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 10 minutes does the trick. If you prefer, a quick trip through a hot skillet works too. Serve with fresh tzatziki to ensure the flavors and textures truly shine, just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the skewers on a wire rack in the oven at 425°F until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. You’ll still capture all those classic Greek flavors.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?
Marinating is key—don’t skimp on the minimum 30 minutes. The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar ensures tender, juicy chicken every time. Also, avoid overcooking; pull the skewers off the grill as soon as they’re just done.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your sides (like pita bread or rice) are gluten-free if needed for your guests.
How can I make the tzatziki dairy-free?
A simple switch to a thick plant-based yogurt alternative works great in this recipe. The rest of the flavors come from the herbs, garlic, and cucumber, so you’ll still get that delicious, creamy experience.
Can I prep the marinade or tzatziki in advance?
Definitely. You can whip up the marinade and even let your chicken soak overnight for deeper flavor. The tzatziki can also be made the day before; in fact, it often tastes even better as the flavors have time to mingle.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki at home, you’ll wonder how such a simple recipe delivers so much joy. It’s bright, bold, healthy, and guaranteed to please a crowd or simply make a regular weeknight feel special. I can’t wait for you to fall for this dish as hard as I have—give it a spot at your next gathering and savor every Mediterranean-inspired bite!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe paired with creamy Tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup finely grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the tzatziki: Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and chill.
- Skewer and grill: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and charred.
- Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki sauce and your choice of sides.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a dairy-free tzatziki, use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
