Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 10 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp Kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup dry white wine; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 bay leaves; 2 1/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces; Greek pita bread; Tzatziki sauce (prepared separately); Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives; Greek salad; Roasted garlic hummus; Mezze platter; Watermelon and cucumber salad

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and soul, you absolutely must try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe. Juicy, tender chicken skewers are marinated in fragrant herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and paired with cool, creamy tzatziki that perfectly balances the smoky flavors. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together freshness, zest, and a touch of charred goodness — ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even an impressive weeknight treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

A metal skewer holds five pieces of raw chicken meat, spaced evenly along its length. The chicken pieces are pale pink with small specks of green and black seasoning all over them. The skewer is placed flat on a smooth white parchment paper sheet, which lies on a white marbled surface. The texture of the chicken looks soft and moist, and the lighting shows a slight shine on the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe keeps things deliciously simple by focusing on essential, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Every element, from the garlic to the lemon juice, plays a key role in delivering that authentic Greek taste and beautiful texture.

10 garlic cloves, peeled: Adds bold, aromatic depth to the marinade that sings through every bite.
2 tablespoon dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb giving earthy, minty notes that brighten the dish.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a piney fragrance, complementing the oregano and enhancing the grilled chicken.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a lovely reddish hue to the marinade.
1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper: Balances flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: The Greek staple that tenderizes the chicken while adding lush richness.
¼ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Juice of 1 lemon: Injects that bright, citrus punch that keeps the dish refreshing.
2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma during marination for deeper flavor.
2 ½ lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces: The star protein, lean and perfect for skewering and grilling.
Greek pita bread: Soft and warm, ideal for wrapping around the souvlaki and tzatziki.
Tzatziki sauce: This cool cucumber-yogurt dip is essential, balancing spices and smoke.
Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives: Crunchy, tangy veggies and salty olives for fresh contrast.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by pulsing garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and fresh lemon juice in a small food processor until everything is perfectly blended. This marinade is a powerhouse of flavor, ensuring every chicken piece soaks up the aromatic Mediterranean goodness. Make sure not to add bay leaves yet—they’ll come later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and add the bay leaves for an herbal undertone. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well so every piece is coated lovingly. Cover the bowl tightly and let the chicken soak up all these flavors in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you want the maximum infusion. If short on time, 2 hours still works wonders!

Step 3: Prepare Skewers and Fixings

While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Get your tzatziki sauce ready and chop up those fresh veggies like tomato, cucumber, and onions. If you’re planning to serve additional sides like Greek salad or hummus, this is the perfect moment to prepare them so everything will come together seamlessly.

Step 4: Thread Chicken onto Skewers

Once marinated, carefully skewer the chicken pieces, leaving a bit of space between each chunk so they cook evenly and get those irresistible grill marks. This part feels fun and hands-on—like assembling little towers of flavor before the big sizzle.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high and lightly oil the grates for that non-stick magic. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, turning them every couple of minutes and brushing with leftover marinade occasionally (discard any remaining marinade that touched raw chicken). Grill until the chicken is beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook while resting, hitting the perfect 165°F for juicy, safe eating.

Step 6: Rest and Warm Pitas

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 3 minutes; this step helps the juices redistribute for tender bites. While resting, quickly grill the pita breads just enough to make them warm and slightly crisp, perfect for wrapping.

Step 7: Assemble Your Souvlaki

Start by spreading a generous layer of cool tzatziki sauce on each pita. Then pile on the juicy chicken chunks, fresh slices of tomato, cucumber, onions, and luscious Kalamata olives for that quintessential Greek touch. Fold it up or serve open-faced—either way, it’s pure deliciousness in every mouthful.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

The image shows three skewers of grilled meat pieces stacked on a white plate with a blue patterned design. The meat is light brown with some darker grill marks and visible spices coating the surface. Behind the meat, there are two slices of red tomato adding a fresh color contrast. In the background, out of focus, there is a stack of flatbread with a soft golden color. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top take the souvlaki to the next level, adding bursts of green freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving balances rich olive oil and creamy tzatziki perfectly, making every bite zing.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with classic sides such as Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, or a colorful mezze platter featuring roasted garlic hummus, olives, and dolmas. Each side brings contrast in texture and flavor, turning a simple meal into a festive banquet.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve the souvlaki family-style on a big platter surrounded by bowls of tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread? Guests can assemble their own wraps, turning dinner into a fun interactive experience. Or, for a lighter option, serve the grilled chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside orzo pasta tossed with herbs and lemon zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken souvlaki keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pita and tzatziki separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture. This way, you can easily enjoy a quick lunch packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken souvlaki pieces by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the juiciness and tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little olive oil if needed to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out. Warm pita breads separately on a dry pan or in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and tend to stay juicy even longer, making them a fantastic alternative for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs might take a touch longer on the grill.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to absorb the vibrant flavors, but overnight marination brings even deeper taste and tenderness. If you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes is still better than nothing.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce from scratch?

Yes, homemade tzatziki is surprisingly simple and tastes incredibly fresh and bright. It typically involves yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint. Making it yourself lets you control the texture and flavor precisely to your liking.

Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?

Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which keeps your cooking hassle-free and safe. Aim for soaking them for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.

Can this recipe be cooked indoors?

Certainly! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or broiler in your oven works well too. Just keep a close eye on the chicken, turning frequently to achieve that gorgeous char and ensuring even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe a try—it’s a joyful culinary trip to the Mediterranean that fits right into your kitchen. The harmonious blend of herbs, tangy tzatziki, and perfectly grilled chicken is a taste sensation that never gets old. Whether feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will definitely become a beloved favorite in your rotation.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need