If you crave a dish that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors and is wonderfully simple to prepare, then you are in for a treat with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe. Tender chicken marinated in vibrant herbs and lemon, grilled to juicy perfection, and paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce creates a harmonious plate that feels like a sunny afternoon on a Greek island. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing a little taste of Greece right into your home kitchen.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe lies in its fresh, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of colors, textures, and tastes. Each element plays a critical role—from the citrusy zing of lemon to the aromatic oregano and the creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, making every bite a delight.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy grilling.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade infuse the chicken with flavor while keeping it juicy.
Lemon juice: Brings a bright, zesty punch that tenderizes and lifts the dish.
Garlic: Provides a pungent depth to both the marinade and the tzatziki sauce.
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that gives the souvlaki its unmistakable aromatic character.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness that complements the other seasonings.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Wooden skewers: Soaked to prevent burning, perfect for threading and grilling the chicken.
Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy base for the tzatziki, offering a cooling contrast to the grilled meat.
Cucumber: Grated and drained to keep the sauce fresh and crisp without watering it down.
Fresh dill: Adds a herby brightness that brightens the tzatziki elegantly.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, lending a pop of green and fresh aroma.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Then add your chicken cubes, tossing them thoroughly to coat every piece in this vibrant marinade. Letting the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, allows all those beautiful flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, making every bite incredibly flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

While the chicken marinates, get your grill or grill pan heating up over medium-high heat. This temperature is just right to develop a nice char on the chicken without drying it out, giving that irresistible smoky aroma and those gorgeous grill marks that make this dish so visually appealing.

Step 3: Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers carefully, making sure they’re spaced evenly for even cooking. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a slightly crisp exterior, full of Mediterranean flavors.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess water squeezed out, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture until it becomes silky smooth and perfectly balanced in flavor. This creamy, cool tzatziki sauce complements the warm chicken souvlaki perfectly, adding freshness and a hint of tanginess.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once your chicken skewers are grilled and your tzatziki sauce is ready, it’s time to serve! Remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange it on a platter, drizzling some tzatziki alongside and scattering fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green while enhancing the herbal notes in the dish. You might also add a few lemon wedges on the side to offer extra citrus zing for those who want a brighter flavor. These simple garnishes make your presentation feel complete and inviting.

Side Dishes

Classic Greek accompaniments like pita bread, a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, or even some roasted potatoes bring extra heartiness and texture to the meal. Each side dish adds a different layer of flavor or crunch, making the whole meal feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try turning this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe into wraps using warm pita or flatbreads, adding shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and tomatoes for a handheld delight. Alternatively, serve the grilled chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous for a family-style feast that’s sure to wow guests. The possibilities are endless, and each presentation highlights the dish’s versatility.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with some leftovers, store the chicken souvlaki and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of both components without the sauce making the chicken soggy. They will be good to enjoy for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the chicken souvlaki can be frozen for up to 2 months if properly sealed, it’s best to avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce as yogurt-based sauces can separate and lose their creamy texture after thawing. Instead, make a fresh batch of tzatziki once you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

To reheat your frozen or refrigerated chicken souvlaki, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through without drying out. Serve with fresh tzatziki to recreate that fresh, vibrant flavor combo as if it were just made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe because they tend to stay more juicy and tender during grilling, making the end result even more flavorful.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight can intensify the flavors, 30 minutes to 4 hours is sufficient to impart that delicious lemon-herb essence. Just remember, the longer the marination within that window, the more the flavors will meld.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Tzatziki actually benefits from resting in the fridge for at least an hour, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving to bring it back to its creamy goodness.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! You can easily cook the chicken on a grill pan or even under the broiler in your oven. Just watch it closely to prevent overcooking, and turn the skewers regularly for an even char.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the tzatziki sauce?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick and creamy texture, which makes tzatziki truly special. However, if you can’t find it, you can use regular plain yogurt strained through cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its fresh herbs, citrusy notes, and creamy cooling sauce, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Give it a go—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!