Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce – Juicy, Flavorful & Authentically Mediterranean

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Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a Mediterranean classic — juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. Bursting with flavors of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and oregano, this dish is both simple and irresistibly delicious.

Whether served in warm pita bread, over rice, or with a crisp Greek salad, this dish brings the bright, sunny flavors of Greece straight to your table. It’s healthy, high in protein, and perfect for summer grilling, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Overview

The beauty of this dish lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients — each one essential for authentic flavor.

Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay juicier, especially when grilled, but breasts work perfectly for a leaner option.

Marinade

The marinade is the soul of souvlaki — it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with Mediterranean flavor.

Key Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps carry the herbs and spices into the meat.

  • Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken.

  • Garlic: Essential for that bold, Greek flavor.

  • Oregano: A signature Greek herb with an earthy aroma.

  • Salt & Pepper: Simple but necessary to bring everything together.

Tzatziki Sauce

Creamy, tangy, and refreshing — tzatziki cools the palate and perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Main Ingredients:

  • Greek Yogurt: Thick and creamy, serves as the base.

  • Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness.

  • Garlic: For punch and aroma.

  • Lemon Juice & Dill: Bright and herbaceous.

  • Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and richness.

Optional Sides & Garnishes

  • Warm pita bread or naan

  • Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions

  • Crumbled feta cheese

  • Fresh parsley or dill

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

2. Marinate the Chicken

  • Cut 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs into 1-inch cubes.

  • Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2–4 hours. (Overnight yields the best flavor.)

3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)

  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained (squeeze out excess water)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

  2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  3. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve — this allows flavors to develop.

4. Assemble the Skewers

  • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

  • For extra color, you can alternate with bell peppers, onion chunks, or zucchini.

5. Grill or Pan-Sear

Grill Method:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).

  • Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).

Stovetop Method:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  • Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, rotating occasionally for even browning.

Oven Method (if grilling isn’t an option):

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, broiling for the last 2 minutes to brown the edges.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot chicken souvlaki with chilled tzatziki sauce, pita, and your favorite sides.

Serving Ideas:

  • In a pita wrap with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

  • Over a Greek salad or rice bowl.

  • Alongside roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.

Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips

  • Marinate Long: The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

  • Use Metal Skewers: They retain heat and help cook the chicken evenly.

  • Drain the Cucumber Well: Excess water can make the tzatziki sauce runny.

Variations

  • Spicy Souvlaki: Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.

  • Herb Upgrade: Add fresh mint, basil, or parsley for extra freshness.

  • Vegan Option: Substitute tofu or portobello mushrooms for the chicken and use a dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki.

Substitutions

  • Chicken: Swap with pork tenderloin, lamb, or shrimp for variety.

  • Yogurt: Use labneh or sour cream in place of Greek yogurt.

  • Lemon Juice: Substitute with white wine vinegar if needed.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is incredibly versatile and fits almost any occasion:

  • Weeknight Dinner: Fast, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

  • Summer BBQs: Perfect for outdoor grilling and serving with fresh salads.

  • Meal Prep: Store chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers — they’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge.

  • Entertaining: Build-your-own souvlaki wraps for guests to enjoy at parties or gatherings.

Serve alongside:

  • Greek Salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives)

  • Lemon Rice Pilaf

  • Roasted Potatoes with Oregano

  • Grilled Pita or Flatbread

Nutritional & Health Notes

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a wholesome, protein-rich meal that fits easily into a Mediterranean diet.

  • High Protein: Each serving provides 30–35g of lean protein.

  • Low Carb & Gluten-Free: Perfect for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets when served without pita.

  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil and Greek yogurt provide beneficial monounsaturated fats.

  • Rich in Vitamins: Lemon and herbs contribute antioxidants and vitamin C.

Approximate per serving (with tzatziki, without pita):

  • Calories: 380

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbs: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to achieve a grilled look and flavor.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and make the tzatziki 1–2 days in advance — it gets even better as it sits.

3. What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyro?

Souvlaki is grilled meat on skewers, while gyros are cooked on a vertical rotisserie and usually served shaved.

4. How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, tzatziki stays fresh for 4–5 days. Stir before using.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a creamy, dairy-free tzatziki.

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