Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki Recipe

If you’ve ever yearned for a vibrant taste of Greece at home, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki is about to become your new favorite. Juicy, marinated chicken is threaded onto skewers, grilled to smoky perfection, and paired with a creamy, garlicky tzatziki you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Loaded with fresh and simple ingredients, this iconic street food is impossibly flavorful yet incredibly easy to put together. Whether it’s a lively family gathering or a sunny weeknight dinner, these skewers bring a festive, Mediterranean vibe right to your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes this dish so sensational is how everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each item plays a starring role, from the lemony marinade to that cool, tangy tzatziki, building layer after layer of authentic Greek flavor and color.

• Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, approx. 1 kg/35 ounces): Choose lean, fresh chicken for juicy, tender skewers that soak up the marinade perfectly.
• Olive Oil (4 tbsps for marinade + 1/4 cup extra virgin for tzatziki): Rich and fruity, this is essential for both flavor and keeping everything moist.
• Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Gives the marinade brightness and a signature Mediterranean zing.
• Garlic (3 cloves, 1 minced for marinade, 2 for tzatziki): Adds a bold, savory kick that’s classic in Greek cuisine.
• Dried Oregano (2 tbsps + extra 1-2 tsps for pita): Aromatic and earthy, oregano ties the whole dish together.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper: Simple but vital for bringing out all the other flavors.
• Cucumber (1, for tzatziki): Provides cool crunch and freshness in the tzatziki sauce.
• Strained Yogurt (500g/18 ounces): Thick Greek yogurt is the foundation of velvety-smooth tzatziki.
• Red Wine Vinegar (1-2 tbsps, for tzatziki): A bit of acidity enhances the dip’s tanginess.
• Pita Breads (8): Soft, chewy, and perfect for wrapping or scooping up chicken and sauce.
• Tomato (1, sliced): Adds juicy sweetness and color.
• Red Onion (1, sliced + extra for serving): For crunch and a mild bite that balances the richness.
• Fried Potatoes (optional): A fun, traditional addition for extra heartiness (especially if making wraps).
• Romaine (Cos) Lettuce (optional): Offers a fresh, crisp element if you like greens in your souvlaki wrap.
• Wooden Skewers (8-9): Don’t forget to soak them so they don’t burn on the grill!

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 2 to 3 centimeters each, so they’ll cook quickly and stay juicy. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a really good toss with your hands, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you can wait). This simple marinade makes the chicken impossibly flavorful and tender—it’s truly key to the magic of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While your chicken chills, it’s time to whip up the iconic tzatziki sauce. Blend together olive oil and two cloves of minced garlic until combined. Meanwhile, peel your cucumber, remove the seeds, and grate it. Sprinkle the grated cucumber with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Wrap the cucumber in a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as you can—this keeps your tzatziki thick and luscious. In a bowl, mix the dry cucumber, garlic-oil mixture, thick Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, and a touch of salt. Stir until it’s creamy, tangy, and irresistible. Chill in the fridge, and remember: tzatziki is always best served cold.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Before threading your chicken, cut the wooden skewers down to fit your grill or pan and soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes; this prevents burning. Once your skewers are prepped, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Don’t overcrowd—the pieces need a bit of space so they cook evenly and get those beautiful golden edges.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or griddle pan over high heat. Once it’s sizzling hot, lay the skewers on and let the magic happen. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes so each side gets a lovely char and the chicken cooks through. Your kitchen will smell like a Greek festival at this point—get ready for hungry admirers!

Step 5: Toast the Pita

While the chicken rests, turn your attention to the pita breads. Preheat your oven to 250°C or fire up a griddle pan. Brush both sides of each pita with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and dried oregano, and toast them for about 2 minutes—just enough to warm and soften them. This step is irresistible and makes a world of difference for your Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice up some red onions and tomatoes, and optionally fry some potatoes for a real Greek taverna feel. Layer your skewers on a platter with the veggies, give everything a generous drizzle of olive oil and another squeeze of lemon, then bring out the tzatziki and pitas. Serve the chicken straight off the skewers with all the accompaniments, or tuck the works into a pita wrap with plenty of sauce. Either way, happiness is guaranteed.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki

Garnishes

Top your finished skewers with extra oregano, a final squeeze of fresh lemon, or a simple scatter of chopped fresh parsley. Thin slices of red onion and juicy tomato add color and crunch, making every bite of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki feel fresh and lively.

Side Dishes

For a classic Greek feast, serve your souvlaki with warm pita, a big bowl of crisp romaine salad, and—if you’re feeling indulgent—a side of golden fried potatoes. Tzatziki doubles as a dip for just about anything, and olives, feta, or roasted veggies round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning your Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki into a fun build-your-own pita bar for parties. Pile the chicken, pitas, tzatziki, and toppings onto a big platter, and let everyone assemble their dream wrap. Or, serve the skewers over a bed of lemony rice or next to roasted vegetables for a lighter twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken souvlaki and tzatziki can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki will keep well for 2-3 days—just give it a good stir before serving as the cucumber might release liquid over time.

Freezing

If you have more chicken than you can eat, you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) for up to 2 months. Seal them tightly in a freezer bag or container. The tzatziki, however, doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt and cucumber—make that fresh every time for best results!

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or for a quick burst in the microwave. If you like, splash a little lemon juice on before reheating to refresh the flavors. Warm fresh pita in the oven or on a dry pan—never reheat the tzatziki; keep it chilled and spoon it on at the last minute.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute, offering even more juiciness. Just follow the same marinating and cooking steps for delicious results in your Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the fullest flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge. If you’re short on time, even 20 minutes makes a difference, but up to a few hours is ideal for maximum tenderness and taste.

Can I grill these outdoors?

Definitely! Outdoor grilling adds an irresistible smoky flavor to the Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki. Just preheat your grill to high, oil the grates, and cook as directed, turning frequently.

What type of yogurt should I use for the tzatziki?

Choose a thick, strained Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture—full fat is traditional and gives you that luscious mouthfeel, but low-fat versions work too if you prefer a lighter dip.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

Of course! Substitute the chicken with cubes of halloumi cheese, marinated tofu, or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and peppers. These grill up beautifully on skewers and pair just as well with the zesty tzatziki.

Final Thoughts

From the irresistible smoky chicken to the icy-cool tzatziki, the Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe (Skewers) with Tzatziki is a little celebration on your plate. Whether you’re recreating vacation memories or trying something new, this is a dish that brings people together. Give it a whirl and let these sunny flavors transport you—no plane ticket required!

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