Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; Fresh dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Savor the flavors of Greece with this delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki paired with a refreshing Tzatziki Sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-23T01:57:38.679Z

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. The marinade infuses the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices that transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Paired with the creamy and tangy Tzatziki sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will love!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tender and juicy chicken infused with Mediterranean spices
Creamy, refreshing Tzatziki sauce that complements the skewers perfectly
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and sides

      

The Essence of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy preparations. At the heart of this culinary tradition is the use of herbs and spices, which elevate simple dishes into extraordinary experiences. Souvlaki, a popular Greek street food, showcases marinated meats grilled to perfection, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Pairing it with Tzatziki sauce not only enhances the dish's flavor but also introduces the cooling effect of yogurt and cucumber, creating a perfect balance.

Incorporating Mediterranean elements into your meals can significantly enhance their nutritional value. The use of olive oil, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables contributes to a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe invites you to indulge in these wholesome ingredients while enjoying the delightful taste of Greece at home.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or planning a cozy family gathering, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is an excellent choice. Its simplicity allows for quick preparation while delivering an impressive presentation. The skewers can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course, making them versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Additionally, this dish is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition. Serving with sides like Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted potatoes will create a delightful Mediterranean feast that everyone will love.

Tips for the Perfect Souvlaki

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination can enhance the flavor even more. If time allows, consider marinating overnight in the refrigerator for tender, flavorful chicken. Additionally, using wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

When grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve those perfect grill marks and prevent sticking. Turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Fresh dill for garnish

Mix and match your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions on the skewers!

Directions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare Tzatziki Sauce

In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.

Skewer the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is fully cooked.

Serve

Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with a side of Tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki with fresh pita and salad!

Serving Suggestions

To truly embrace the Mediterranean experience, serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with a side of warm pita bread. This allows your guests to wrap the chicken and Tzatziki together, creating a delightful handheld meal. You can also consider adding a fresh Greek salad, complete with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, to enhance the meal's freshness and flavor profile.

Another great option is to serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This not only adds a hearty component to your meal but also absorbs the delicious juices from the chicken, making every bite flavorful. For an authentic touch, drizzle some extra olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano over the top.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the chicken's moisture and flavor, consider reheating it gently in the oven or on the stovetop, rather than in the microwave, which can dry it out. Simply cover it with foil and heat at a low temperature until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, and it can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as per the recipe instructions for a quick and easy meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the herbs and spices offer various antioxidants that contribute to overall health. The inclusion of Tzatziki sauce adds probiotics from yogurt, which can aid digestion and support gut health.

Furthermore, the dish is low in carbohydrates and can be easily adapted for various dietary preferences, making it suitable for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. With a colorful array of vegetables and fresh ingredients, this meal is a wholesome choice that caters to both taste and nutrition.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or lamb.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

→ Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What sides go well with souvlaki?

Serve with a Greek salad, rice, or warm pita bread.