If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying meal, the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe is ready to become your new favorite go-to. This dish masterfully combines juicy, lemony grilled chicken skewers with the creamy, cool tzatziki sauce and crisp fresh veggies, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that bring the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s the perfect harmony of simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient shines on its own and blends seamlessly to capture authentic Greek flavors. Each item is thoughtfully chosen not just for taste, but for the color and texture it brings to the plate, making every bite a little celebration.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easily cut into pieces for perfect grilling and soaking up marinade flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little spicy warmth to balance the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Infuses the marinade with richness and helps keep chicken juicy on the grill.
- Juice of lemon: Brings crisp brightness and tenderizes the meat.
- Garlic cloves (smashed and minced): Pungent and aromatic, garlic is the flavour backbone for both marinade and tzatziki.
- Dried oregano: Gives that unmistakable Mediterranean herbaceous punch.
- Greek yogurt (whole fat preferred): The creamy base for the refreshing tzatziki sauce.
- Finely chopped cucumber: Adds a cool crunch and freshness to the sauce.
- Freshly chopped dill: Bright herb flavor that lifts the tzatziki.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat in the tzatziki.
- Pita bread (warmed): The perfect soft, chewy vessel to hold the souvlaki and toppings.
- Thinly sliced tomatoes: Juicy, colorful freshness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Chopped romaine: Adds crunch and vibrant green color to round out the dish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the secret behind the bright and aromatic flavor that makes the chicken unforgettable. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until every piece is generously coated. For the best results, let them soak up all these flavors for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge if you have the time. This step ensures the chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with zest.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a bowl. This creamy sauce is cool and refreshing, perfectly balancing the warm and smoky chicken. Pop it in the fridge to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Ready the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill. This small step makes sure your grilling process goes smoothly without any unwanted flare-ups.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving just enough space between pieces for even cooking. This setup promotes that beautifully charred exterior and juicy interior we all crave in the perfect souvlaki.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken skewers on the grates. Grill each side for about 6 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and boasts a golden, slightly charred exterior. The grilling process not only cooks the chicken but also imparts a smoky note that elevates the dish.
Step 6: Assemble Your Souvlaki
Warm your pita bread until soft and pliable, then pile on the grilled chicken, generous dollops of tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce. Each assembled pita is a handheld slice of the Mediterranean, packed with fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle extra chopped dill or oregano over the assembled souvlaki for added freshness and a touch of green. You can also add thin slices of red onion or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the table to brighten every bite even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like lemon-roasted potatoes, a light Greek salad, or even some warm, fluffy rice pilaf. These sides complement the flavors without overpowering the star of the show—the chicken souvlaki itself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers family-style on a platter with all the fresh veggies, pita, and tzatziki arranged around them, inviting everyone to build their own delicious wraps. Alternatively, you can turn it into a vibrant bowl meal by layering chopped souvlaki, tzatziki, veggies, and warm pita strips for a hands-free option that’s perfect for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover grilled chicken, tzatziki, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Properly stored, the chicken will stay succulent for up to 3 days, and your tzatziki will maintain its refreshing flavor for about the same amount of time.
Freezing
If you want to save parts of this meal for later, the marinated chicken—before grilling—freezes wonderfully. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to cook. Avoid freezing the tzatziki, as yogurt-based sauces can separate and lose their fresh texture.
Reheating
To bring your grilled chicken back to life, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until just warmed through to keep it juicy. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture. Serve again with fresh pita and a cold scoop of tzatziki for that authentic homemade vibe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can add a bit more richness and tenderness. Just keep an eye on cooking times since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 24 hours?
While marinating overnight intensifies flavors, a quick 30-minute marinade also infuses plenty of deliciousness. If you’re short on time, definitely don’t skip it—your chicken will still taste fantastic.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making tzatziki up to a day in advance is a great way to save time. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge to preserve its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the skewered chicken under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan. Just watch the chicken closely and turn often for even cooking and beautiful char marks.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe is designed to be mild and fresh, but if you love spice, the optional red pepper flakes in the tzatziki add a nice gentle kick. Feel free to adjust or omit them depending on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. Once you try it, it will surely become one of your favorites to make again and again—trust me, it’s pure joy wrapped in warm pita!
Print
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious and easy-to-make Greek-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender, marinated chicken pieces are threaded on skewers and grilled to juicy perfection, served with refreshing homemade tzatziki, warm pita bread, and fresh vegetables. This flavorful meal blends zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 each Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (whole fat preferred)
- 1/3 cup Finely chopped cucumber
- 1/2 each Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve
- 4 pieces Pita bread, warmed
- 1 cup Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups Chopped romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, juice of one lemon, smashed garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breast pieces to the marinade bowl, stirring to make sure they are all well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, juice of half a lemon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Thread chicken on skewers: Remove chicken from the marinade and evenly thread onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat and grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble and serve: Warm the pita bread. Serve the grilled chicken in the warm pita, topped with chilled tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Tzatziki can be made a day in advance to develop deeper flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade or tzatziki.
