Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg); 4 tablespoons olive oil; juice of 1 lemon; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons dried oregano; salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 500 grams strained yogurt (18 ounces); 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; pinch of salt; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 pita breads; olive oil for brushing; 1-2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 tomato, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; fried potatoes (optional); romaine (cos) lettuce (optional); freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8-9 wooden skewers

If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean flavors, you’ve got to try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe. Tender chicken, tangy tzatziki, and warm pita breads make for one unforgettable meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!

The image shows a white plate with four metal skewers of grilled chicken pieces stacked closely together. The chicken is light brown with darker grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. On the left side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges with a bright yellow color and a small bunch of fresh green dill next to them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white striped cloth on the left and two red cherry tomatoes in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how this recipe brings the authentic taste of Greece right into my kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these skewers always steal the spotlight.

Authentic flavors: The combination of lemon, oregano, and garlic in the marinade delivers those classic Greek vibes you crave.
Simple prep: You can easily marinate the chicken in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Fresh and refreshing: The homemade tzatziki adds a cool, creamy contrast that perfectly balances the grilled chicken.
Customizable serving: Eat it straight from the skewers or wrap it up with pita, veggies, and optional crispy potatoes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Nothing beats fresh, quality ingredients for this recipe — think fragrant oregano, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and creamy strained yogurt. A quick tip: when shopping for chicken breasts, look for ones that are plump and pale pink to ensure juicy results.

Flat lay of fresh boneless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a halved bright yellow lemon with visible juice, a whole garlic bulb and a small pile of minced garlic cloves, a few sprigs of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, one whole cucumber peeled and partially grated, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy strained yogurt, another small white ceramic bowl with deep red wine vinegar, several whole pita breads stacked neatly, a sliced ripe red tomato, a sliced red onion with vibrant layers, and a few crisp romaine lettuce leaves arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless chicken breasts: Perfect for slicing into uniform pieces that cook evenly on skewers.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while grilling.
Lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that livens up the marinade and balances flavors.
Garlic: Both in the marinade and tzatziki, it’s essential for that signature punch.
Dried oregano: The star herb that gives you that unmistakable Greek flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Cucumber: Peeled and seeded to keep the tzatziki creamy, not watery.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the tzatziki for smooth texture and depth.
Strained yogurt: Thick and creamy, it forms the base of the tzatziki sauce.
Red wine vinegar: Gives the tzatziki a gentle tanginess that brightens every bite.
Pita breads: Warmed and lightly seasoned, perfect for wrapping or serving alongside.
Tomato & red onion slices: Classic accompaniments adding freshness and crunch.
Fried potatoes (optional): A tasty addition if you want a little extra indulgence in your wrap.
Romaine (cos) lettuce (optional): Adds a crisp, green layer to your souvlaki wraps.
Wooden skewers: Essential for grilling the chicken evenly; soaking them prevents burning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a veggie twist, make it lighter, or fire up the flavors even more, it’s your canvas to customize!

Herb Boost: Try adding fresh herbs like chopped mint or dill to the marinade or the tzatziki for an extra fresh kick. I love how the mint brightens the flavor and makes it even more vibrant.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for large mushroom caps or halloumi cheese cubes. Marinate similarly for an hour then grill – the smoky, charred flavor is just as delightful!
Spicy Souvlaki: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade if you want a little heat that lingers without overpowering.
Seasonal Veggies: Thread some bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions alternately with the chicken on the skewers. It adds color, texture, and a lovely natural sweetness when grilled.
Low Carb Option: Skip the pita breads and serve your souvlaki skewers over a bed of romaine lettuce leaves or alongside a crisp Greek salad for a fresh, lighter meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

The image shows two metal skewers with grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with some charred spots, arranged on the right side of a large white plate. To the top right of the chicken, there is a fresh salad made of sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion rings, dark olives, and small white cubes of cheese. To the left of the skewers, there are several folded pieces of flatbread forming a small stack. At the bottom left of the plate, two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy pulp are placed. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with parts of a blue-striped cloth and extra lemon wedges visible in the corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, around 2-3 cm each. In a large bowl, toss them with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice from one lemon, one clove of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, plus salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Use your hands to massage all the flavors into the chicken. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes — this resting time is crucial as it lets the chicken soak up all those vibrant Greek flavors.

Step 2: Whip Up the Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce

While your chicken marinates, it’s tzatziki time! Peel and seed one cucumber, then grate it finely into a bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then let it rest for 10 minutes. After that, wrap the grated cucumber tightly in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess water—this step is key to avoid watery sauce. In a blender, combine ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil with 2 cloves of minced garlic and blend until smooth. Add this mixture, the grated cucumber, 500 grams of strained yogurt, 1 to 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Give everything a good blend until well combined. Store your tzatziki in the fridge and keep it nice and cold until serving.

Step 3: Prepare and Soak Your Skewers

To ensure your wooden skewers don’t burn while grilling, cut them to fit your grill or griddle pan and soak them in water for at least 10 minutes. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly, leaving a little space between pieces to allow even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your grill or griddle pan over high heat. Cook the chicken souvlaki skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally to get beautifully golden and cooked through on all sides. You’re looking for a nice char with juicy, tender chicken inside. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out or burn.

Step 5: Warm Up the Pita Breads

Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Brush both sides of the pita breads lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt and 1-2 teaspoons of dried oregano for that authentic Greek touch. Place a large upside-down oven tray on the bottom rack and then place the pita breads on top of it. Bake for just 2 minutes – this quick heat will warm them through and give a slightly crispy texture. Alternatively, you can warm them on your grill or griddle pan if that suits you better.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve Your Feast

On a serving platter, arrange sliced red onions and lay the freshly grilled chicken souvlaki skewers on top. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over everything for a bright finish. Serve warm alongside the toasted pita breads and chilled tzatziki sauce. For a fun, casual meal, spread tzatziki on the pita breads, add the chicken, sliced tomatoes, fried potatoes if you like, romaine lettuce, and sliced red onions, then wrap it all up like a sandwich. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Top Tip

These tips come from making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe many times, ensuring you get the juiciest chicken and freshest flavors every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to an hour, really locks in that classic tangy, herby Greek flavor.
Prevent Skewers from Burning: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling; it keeps them intact and safe on the high heat.
Squeeze Out Excess Cucumber Water: Press the grated cucumber well using a clean towel to avoid watery tzatziki that can dilute those creamy, garlicky notes.
Don't Crowd the Skewers: Give the chicken pieces room on each skewer so they cook evenly and get that perfect char without steaming.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

A metal skewer holds four pieces of raw chicken marinated with herbs and spices; the chicken pieces are light pink with small green and black specks of seasoning and have a shiny, moist surface. The skewer lies on a piece of white paper, which rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple and vibrant with thinly sliced red onions, juicy tomato slices, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving brings everything to life.

Side Dishes

Warm pita breads brushed with olive oil and sprinkled lightly with oregano are a perfect match. For a heartier meal, serve with crisp romaine lettuce and golden fried potatoes—these optional add-ons turn your souvlaki into a delightful wrap packed with texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cooked chicken souvlaki skewers and tzatziki in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy those succulent flavors again without fuss.

Freezing

To freeze, remove the chicken from skewers and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Tzatziki sauce is best freshly made, but you can freeze chicken portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken souvlaki gently on a grill pan or oven at medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture. Serve with chilled tzatziki sauce for contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and can stay juicier on the grill. Just cut them into similar 2-3 cm pieces and marinate as usual.

How can I tell when the chicken souvlaki is cooked through?

The chicken should be nicely browned on all sides after 8-10 minutes and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). The meat should be firm but juicy.

Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking prevents them from burning or catching fire during grilling. Soak for at least 10 minutes before threading your chicken pieces.

Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Making tzatziki a few hours or even a day ahead enhances the flavors. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—the aroma, the vibrant tastes, and the lively textures bring the spirit of a Greek taverna right to your table. Whether you're sharing with family or entertaining friends, those tender grilled skewers paired with the cool tzatziki and warm pita create a meal that's both comforting and exciting. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this classic Mediterranean delight often. Καλή όρεξη!