If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken cubes soaked in a fragrant blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano get grilled to juicy perfection, paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that adds just the right touch of zest and freshness. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish hits all the right notes and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component brings something special — from the zestiness of lemon juice to the aromatic punch of oregano, and the creamy texture of Greek yogurt that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Use fresh, boneless chicken for tender, juicy skewers.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The base of the marinade, adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, savory kick to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that brings authenticity and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the tzatziki, rich and tangy.
- 1 cucumber, grated: Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the tzatziki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Infuses the sauce with a subtle herbal brightness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the tzatziki with a light zing.
- Salt to taste: Brings out the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
- 4 skewers: Ideal for threading chicken and grilling evenly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This simple mixture packs incredible flavor that will soak right into the chicken, tenderizing and seasoning it perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken pieces to your marinade, stirring until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the chicken soak up all those bright, aromatic notes.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes evenly onto your skewers. This not only makes for a fun presentation but ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the skewers on the grates. Turn them every few minutes to get that beautiful char and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy on the inside.
Step 5: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken grills, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-mixed — this cool, creamy sauce will complement the warm, savory chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and serve them hot, alongside a generous dollop of your fresh tzatziki sauce. The contrast of flavors and temperatures is truly irresistible.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or extra chopped dill sprinkled on top adds color and an herbal pop that brightens each bite. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a zesty squeeze if they like.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Greek sides like warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes and olives, or even some roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs for a hearty accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers on a wooden board for a rustic vibe or arrange the chicken pieces over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice, drizzling tzatziki over the top. You can also wrap the souvlaki in soft pita pockets with fresh veggies for a portable, hand-held feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. The chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the sauce keeps its creamy freshness for about the same time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, do so before adding the tzatziki sauce. Freeze cooked souvlaki in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Tzatziki sauce does not freeze well, so prepare that fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers in the oven or on a grill until heated through, being careful not to dry out the meat. Serve immediately with freshly made or reserved tzatziki on the side.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and richness to your souvlaki. Just adjust grilling time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with grilled mushrooms, halloumi cheese, or marinated tofu for a satisfying vegetarian twist that still pairs beautifully with tzatziki.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Tzatziki actually benefits from sitting for at least an hour in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
What grilling alternatives do I have if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a grill — a grill pan on the stovetop or even broiling in the oven can work nicely to get similar char and flavor.
How can I make the marinade spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a little heat that complements the fresh, citrusy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients brought together with care and love. Its balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements makes it a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any time you want to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing this dish as I do — it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a flavorful and healthy main course featuring marinated and grilled chicken skewers served with a cool, creamy Greek yogurt cucumber sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of zesty, herbaceous, and savory flavors, ideal for summer barbecues or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Souvlaki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 skewers
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, preparing them for grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature to ensure proper cooking and a nice char on the chicken.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill, turning every few minutes. Grill for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, and salt. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Plate the hot grilled chicken souvlaki and serve with a generous dollop of the refreshing tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- If cucumber is watery, squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the tzatziki to avoid a runny sauce.
- The marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead for more intense flavor, but do not exceed this time for chicken safety.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt according to taste for the tzatziki sauce.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
