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: 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cucumber, grated and drained; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Culinary Journey

Enjoy a taste of Greece with this delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki paired with a refreshing Tzatziki Sauce. Perfect for a summer grill or a family dinner!

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:50:55.999Z

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy Tzatziki sauce. It's a dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers bursting with Mediterranean spices
Cool and creamy Tzatziki sauce that complements the grilled chicken perfectly
Great for gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner

A Taste of the Mediterranean

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. The vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean come alive in every bite, making this dish a favorite for anyone who loves grilled food. The combination of juicy chicken marinated in aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Pairing this succulent chicken with a cool and creamy Tzatziki sauce elevates the dish to new heights. The refreshing notes of cucumber and garlic in the sauce provide the perfect balance to the savory grilled chicken, making each bite a delightful contrast of flavors. Whether you're enjoying it at a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best aspects of Greek Chicken Souvlaki is its versatility. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues, but it also works wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner option. The marinated chicken can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests or family. Simply grill the skewers when you’re ready to eat, and dinner is served in no time.

Additionally, this dish is a hit with both adults and kids alike. The skewers are fun to eat and can be served alongside a variety of sides, such as rice, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad. This adaptability makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki a go-to recipe that never fails to satisfy.

Tips for the Best Souvlaki

To achieve perfectly grilled chicken, it's important to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit overnight will deepen the flavors even further. Don’t skip this step! The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy, flavorful skewers that are hard to resist.

When threading the chicken onto skewers, ensure that the pieces are evenly spaced. This allows for even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill. These small tips can make a big difference in the quality of your final dish.

Ingredients

For the Souvlaki

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill for garnish

Combine all ingredients for the Souvlaki and Tzatziki sauce as per the steps below.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot with the Tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

Pair with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add some lemon zest to the Tzatziki sauce or serve with grilled vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a traditional meal, serve the skewers alongside warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a bowl of Tzatziki sauce for dipping. You could also create a delicious platter with a variety of dips and salads, making it perfect for entertaining guests.

For a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of greens with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. This Mediterranean-inspired salad not only complements the chicken but adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and Tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the Tzatziki sauce can last about a week. Just remember to give the sauce a good stir before serving again, as it may separate slightly during storage.

To reheat the chicken, simply place it on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. This way, you'll enjoy the same juicy, flavorful experience as when it was freshly grilled.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the marinade to your liking! Add spices like cumin or coriander for an extra layer of flavor, or incorporate a bit of heat with some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, to create new variations of this classic dish.

For a vegetarian version, consider grilling vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms on the skewers, marinating them in the same flavorful mixture. Pair them with Tzatziki sauce for a delightful plant-based alternative that still captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes, you can use pork, lamb, or even shrimp instead of chicken.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

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

→ Can I make Tzatziki ahead of time?

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

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. Just ensure you serve it without pita bread if you are avoiding gluten.