Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Creamy Tzatziki
Juicy, herby, and packed with flavor. Greek Chicken Souvlaki is grilled perfection, served with creamy tzatziki and warm pita for the ultimate handheld meal. Simple to prep, easy to love.
Let’s Talk About Souvlaki
Souvlaki is Greece’s answer to quick, delicious street food. Think marinated meat grilled on skewers, often tucked into warm pita with veggies, tzatziki, and all the toppings. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade: Boneless chicken is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and a homemade Greek seasoning blend, then threaded onto skewers.
For the Greek Seasoning: A fragrant mix of oregano, garlic, dill, paprika, cinnamon, and black pepper. Store-bought works, but homemade is even better.
For the Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil combined. Salt, fresh dill, and optional touches like lemon zest, nutmeg, or marjoram.
Easy Souvlaki Variations
- Tzatziki Swap: Try it with hummus, baba ghanoush, or even spicy harissa yogurt.
- Wrap It Up: Serve souvlaki in pita wraps with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Check for Doneness: Use a thermometer if you’re unsure, 165°F (75°C) means the chicken is done and still juicy.
- Marinate the Chicken: I always give it at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it soak for a few hours or overnight for extra depth.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
- Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Leave a bit of space between each chicken piece for even cooking and perfect browning.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki & Tzatziki
Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning for 1–2 hours. Thread onto skewers and grill until golden and cooked through. For tzatziki, shred the cucumber, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then squeeze out the moisture. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, dill, and pepper. Chill before serving. Enjoy with warm pita and tzatziki.
How to Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Store grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki separate. Freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before grilling.
FAQs about Chicken Souvlaki
More Delicious Recipes
For a full-on grilled feast, pair this souvlaki with these grilled shrimp skewers or some crispy roasted potatoes on the grill. Craving more handheld bites? Try this flavorful chicken tikka naanwich.
Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
For the Tzatziki Sauce;
- 1/2 English cucumber, peeled, shredded
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh Dill, minced
- 2 slices of Cucumber, for garnish
For the Greek Seasoning;
- 1 ½ tsp kosher Salt
- 1 ½ tsp Garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp dried Basil
- 1 tsp dried Onion flakes
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Dill weed
- 1 tsp Thyme
- ½ tsp ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
For the Chicken Souvlaki;
- 4 Chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Homemade Greek seasoning
Instructions
Tzatziki Sauce;
- Place the shredded cucumber in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to it. Toss to combine.
- Put this mixture on a cheesecloth and squeeze all the water out of the cucumber. Take as much moisture out as you can to avoid a runny sauce.
- In another bowl, whisk together the garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and the remaining salt.
- Add the shredded cucumber to this mixture along with the Greek yogurt, dill, and black pepper.
- Mix it and cover the Tzatziki sauce and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
Greek Seasoning;
- Mix all ingredients and set aside.
Chicken Souvlaki;
- Place the chicken in a bowl and add lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of the seasoning to it. Mix until the chicken is covered in the marinade completely.
- Cover the chicken and place it in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Set your grill or griddle to medium-high heat and let it come to a temperature of 375°F-450°F.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers and place them onto the grill or griddle.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side with the lid closed. You're looking for a golden brown color on the outside and an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Place the skewers on a platter and serve with warm pita bread. Serve the Tzatziki sauce in a bowl and garnish with two cucumbers on top.
- Serve and enjoy!
