Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg/35 ounces); 4 tbsps olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 2 tbsp dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 cucumber; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 500g strained yogurt (18 ounces); 1-2 tbsps red wine vinegar; A pinch of salt; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8 pita breads; Olive oil, for brushing; 1-2 tsps dried oregano; 1 tomato, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; Fried potatoes (optional); Romaine (cos) lettuce (optional); Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8-9 wooden skewers

If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean flavor that’s both fresh and satisfying, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is your go-to. Think tender, juicy grilled chicken paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki that just sings with garlic and cucumber — trust me, it’s a classic you’ll want in your rotation.

The image shows four metal skewers lined closely on a white plate, each filled with grilled chicken pieces. The chicken looks golden brown with some char marks, giving a slightly crispy texture. On the left side of the plate, two lemon wedges rest on fresh green dill, adding color contrast. The white plate is set on a light blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. In the bottom left corner, there are a few small bright red tomatoes adding a pop of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Greek chicken souvlaki dozens of times, and every single occasion feels like a casual night at a taverna by the sea — no matter where I’m cooking. It’s simple, yet packed with bold flavors that bring friends and family together around the table.

Authentic Flavor: The marinade bursts with lemon and oregano, giving the chicken that unmistakable Greek taste.
Fresh & Creamy Tzatziki: Homemade sauce means you control all the garlicky, tangy goodness—way better than store-bought.
Quick Cooking: Grill those skewers in just 8-10 minutes for a fast but impressive meal.
Customizable Serving: Eat it on warm pita breads or wrapped up with sliced veggies and fried potatoes—totally up to you.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, choosing fresh and quality ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil, and a good-quality strained yogurt will really lift your souvlaki and tzatziki to authentic Greek standards.

Flat lay of fresh boneless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a whole lemon cut in half revealing bright yellow juice, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a handful of dried oregano leaves scattered, a small white bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a crisp cucumber sliced in half lengthwise showing pale green flesh and seeds, a simple white bowl holding thick creamy strained yogurt, a small white bowl with red wine vinegar, a ripe red tomato sliced into rounds, thinly sliced red onion rings arranged neatly, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, and a stack of soft pita breads with a light sprinkle of dried oregano on top, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Chicken Breasts: The lean, tender meat grills beautifully and soaks up all those classic souvlaki flavors.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin for the tzatziki and marinade adds richness and authentic Mediterranean depth.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic: Both minced and blended, it’s key for that punch in marinade and sauce.
Dried Oregano: The quintessential herb in Greek cooking — aromatic and earthy.
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out all the other flavors.
Cucumber: Peeled and seeded for fresh crunch and coolness in the tzatziki.
Strained Yogurt: Thick and creamy, it’s the perfect base for silky tzatziki.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds subtle tang that wakes up the sauce.
Pita Breads: Warm, soft with a slight crisp finish — a perfect vehicle for your souvlaki.
Tomato and Red Onion: Fresh slices add balance and texture if you choose to wrap your souvlaki.
Wooden Skewers: Essential for grilling, soaked first to prevent burning.
Optional Extras: Fried potatoes and romaine lettuce bring that traditional taverna feel.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste. Whether you want to add extra veggies, adjust the spices, or try out different serving styles, there’s room to make this classic dish truly your own.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. I love how it adds a subtle warmth that complements the oregano beautifully.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the pita bread and serve the souvlaki over a bed of fresh romaine lettuce with tzatziki spooned on top. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those watching their carbs.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the chicken for marinated halloumi or firm tofu cubes. The grilling technique works just as well and the tzatziki pairs wonderfully with these options.
Seasonal Add-Ons: During warmer months, adding grilled zucchini or bell peppers on the skewers adds a great color and flavor contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two metal skewers with eight pieces of grilled chicken each, showing a browned and slightly charred texture. To the right of the skewers is a colorful salad made of thick cucumber slices with green skin, bright red cherry tomato halves, thin slivers of purple onion, white feta cheese cubes, and dark purple olives, all mixed together. On the left side of the plate, there are folded pieces of pita bread in light beige with soft textures and a few toasted spots. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interiors rest near the pita. In the background, there is a small bowl of white sauce with green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Tender Flavor

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 2-3 cm chunks—bite-sized is perfect for skewers. Place them in a large bowl and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of one fresh lemon, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, plus salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Now, use your hands to mix everything well, making sure every piece is coated with all those glorious flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. This marinating time is crucial: it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with that authentic Greek taste.

Step 2: Whip Up the Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, let's get started on the tzatziki—the perfect cooling partner to your grilled chicken. Peel and seed one cucumber, then grate it into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper, letting it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. After this, wrap the grated cucumber tightly in a clean towel and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. This step ensures your tzatziki won’t be watery. In a blender, combine ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 cloves of minced garlic, blending until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the drained cucumber, the garlic-olive oil blend, 500 grams of strained yogurt, 1 to 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or blend until everything is well combined. Chill the tzatziki in the fridge—it should always be served cold to keep its refreshing character.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers for Even Cooking

Next up, your skewers! Cut 8 to 9 wooden skewers to fit your grill or griddle pan. Be sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes beforehand—this little trick prevents them from catching fire while cooking. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even heat distribution. Proper spacing helps every side get that wonderful char and juicy tenderness.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your grill or griddle pan to a high heat. When it’s ready, add the chicken skewers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown color on all sides—the outside should be beautifully charred but the inside still juicy and cooked through. This step is where all the marinating magic shines through.

Step 5: Warm the Pita Breads Just Right

While the chicken grills, get the pita breads ready. Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Brush both sides of the pita breads with olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried oregano for extra flavor. Place a large oven tray upside down on the bottom rack and set the oiled pita breads on top of it. Bake for just 2 minutes—this quick warming will make them soft with a slightly crisp edge. Alternatively, you can warm them on your griddle pan or grill if you prefer.

Step 6: Serve and Savor Your Homemade Greek Feast

To serve, slice a red onion thinly and arrange it on a platter. Place the cooked chicken souvlaki skewers on top, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Bring the warm pita breads and the chilled tzatziki sauce to the table. For an extra satisfying meal, wrap the chicken, onions, tomato slices, and fried potatoes (if using) in the pita with some romaine lettuce and a good dollop of tzatziki. It’s like having a little Greek taverna experience right at home—delicious, fresh, and full of heart.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki takes a little finesse, but these tips will ensure your skewers come out juicy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Giving the chicken at least 30 minutes—and up to an hour—to soak up the lemon, garlic, and oregano really helps tenderize the meat and infuse every bite with those classic Greek flavors.
Squeeze the Cucumber Well: Removing excess water from the grated cucumber in your tzatziki sauce is a game changer. It prevents watery sauce and locks in that rich creamy texture you want.
Soak the Skewers: Don’t skip soaking your wooden skewers for at least 10 minutes. It keeps them from burning on the grill and keeps your kitchen smoke-free.
High Heat is Key: Grilling your souvlaki on high heat gives you that beautiful char and keeps the chicken juicy. Just turn occasionally and watch for those golden-brown edges!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

A metal skewer with four pieces of raw chicken meat, each piece light pink with a slight shine and sprinkled with green herbs and small bits of garlic. The skewer is placed diagonally on a piece of white parchment paper, which lies on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces have a moist texture with visible seasoning. The photo looks clean and simple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate the souvlaki experience. Thin slices of fresh red onion bring a mild crunch and a pop of color, while lemon wedges add a fresh zesty twist when squeezed over the chicken. Don’t forget a sprinkle of dried oregano over the pita for that extra Greek authenticity!

Side Dishes

Serve your souvlaki alongside warm pita breads and a generous dollop of cold tzatziki for dipping or spreading. Fried potatoes are a beloved side to add a comforting crunch, and romaine lettuce leaves can offer a crisp, refreshing balance. Sliced tomatoes also pair beautifully, lending a juicy freshness that complements the smoky chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken souvlaki skewers and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki stays fresh and cool for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce chilled is key to maintaining its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated chicken pieces (before grilling) by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. It’s best not to freeze cooked chicken souvlaki or tzatziki as texture and flavor can be affected.

Reheating

To reheat, remove chicken from skewers and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve that grilled texture. Serve immediately with freshly warmed pita and cold tzatziki for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and marinate as directed.

How long can I marinate the chicken for souvlaki?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is essential to tenderize and infuse flavor, but you can extend it up to 1 hour for even deeper taste and juiciness.

What can I do if I don’t have wooden skewers?

If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal ones work perfectly and don’t require soaking. Otherwise, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the griddle or grill pan.

Can I prepare the tzatziki in advance?

Yes! Tzatziki can be made up to a day ahead. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe has such a special way of bringing a bit of the Mediterranean sunshine right to your table. With its vibrant flavors and simple but authentic ingredients, it’s a dish that can turn any meal into a celebration. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a lively get-together, these skewers paired with tangy tzatziki and warm pita never fail to delight. I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes and fills your home with the warm, inviting spirit of Greece.