Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg/35 ounces); 4 tbsps olive oil; juice of 1 lemon; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 2 tbsp dried oregano; salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and grated; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 500g strained yogurt (18 ounces); 1-2 tbsps red wine vinegar; pinch of salt; salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8 pita breads; olive oil, for brushing; 1-2 tsps dried oregano; 1 tomato, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; fried potatoes (optional); romaine (cos) lettuce (optional); salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8-9 wooden skewers

If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your dinner plate, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is just the ticket. Tender, lemony chicken grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki – it’s like a little Greek vacation at home.

On a white plate, there are four metal skewers each holding several pieces of grilled chicken. The chicken pieces are golden brown with darker grill marks and look juicy and tender. On the left side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges with bright yellow color, placed near a small sprig of fresh green dill. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white striped cloth and a few red cherry tomatoes on the bottom left corner visible. 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

Honestly, whenever I make these skewers, they instantly transport me back to those warm summer evenings in a Greek taverna. The combo of juicy chicken, tangy marinade, and cooling tzatziki is unbeatable.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge.
Quick to Prepare: Just 30 minutes of marinating and 10 minutes on the grill for amazing flavor.
Versatile Serving: Eat straight off the skewer or wrap it up in warm pita with fresh veggies.
Fresh & Flavorful: The homemade tzatziki adds a wonderfully creamy, herbaceous finish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need. Shopping for fresh, quality ingredients like firm chicken breasts and creamy strained yogurt will really elevate the final dish.

Flat lay of boneless raw chicken breasts arranged neatly, a halved lemon with visible juice droplets, a single garlic clove unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a fresh whole cucumber with a section cut to show inside, a small white bowl filled with extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of thick strained yogurt, a small white bowl containing red wine vinegar, a cluster of whole brown eggs with clean, uncracked shells, a stack of soft pita breads, a vibrant ripe tomato sliced, a whole red onion with a few thin slices beside it, a few large romaine lettuce leaves, 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: They cook quickly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist on the grill.
Lemon juice: Brings brightness and tenderizes the meat.
Garlic: Both in the marinade and tzatziki, it gives that classic punch.
Dried oregano: The herbaceous heart of any authentic Greek marinade.
Cucumber: Fresh, grated, and squeezed dry for crisp, cooling tzatziki.
Strained yogurt: Thick and creamy, it’s the perfect base for tzatziki.
Red wine vinegar: Adds just the right tang to balance the creaminess of tzatziki.
Pita breads: Soft and warm, essential for wrapping up all the goodness.
Tomato and red onion: Fresh slices that add crunch and color to your souvlaki wraps.
Wooden skewers: Soaking them beforehand prevents burning and makes grilling easy.
Optional fried potatoes and romaine lettuce: For that traditional extra texture and freshness inside your wrap.

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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 parts about this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to switch things up with fresh herbs or add some extra heat, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Variation: For a spicier kick, I love adding a pinch of chili flakes directly into the marinade. It gives the chicken a delightful warmth that pairs beautifully with the cooling tzatziki.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano on hand, definitely swap the dried for fresh! It really boosts the flavor and adds a wonderful aroma while grilling.
Vegetarian option: Try replacing the chicken with large, firm mushrooms or halloumi cubes for an easy vegetarian adaptation that grills just as well.
Seasonal twists: Add some thinly sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers for a pop of color and extra natural sweetness.
Extra crunch: Including fried potatoes inside the souvlaki wrap is a traditional touch I can’t get enough of — it adds both texture and that familiar Greek street food feel.

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

The dish shows two metal skewers with grilled chicken pieces that are browned with some char marks, placed diagonally on a white round plate. To the right of the skewers is a fresh salad made of cucumber slices, red onion rings, cherry tomato halves, black olives, and small white cheese cubes. On the left side of the plate, there are folded pieces of flatbread overlapping each other. In front of the flatbread, two lemon wedges rest on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with part of a bowl containing a white sauce with green herbs visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 2 to 3 cm each. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Use your hands to really massage all those flavors into the meat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour if you can — this makes all the difference in how juicy and flavorful your skewers will be.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, let’s make that refreshing tzatziki. Blend together the olive oil and minced garlic until nice and smooth. Meanwhile, peel, seed, and grate your cucumber. Sprinkle it lightly with salt and pepper, then let it rest for 10 minutes — this helps draw out excess water. Afterward, wrap the grated cucumber in a clean towel and squeeze firmly to get rid of all the moisture. Combine the cucumber with the blended garlic-oil mix, strained yogurt, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth, then pop it in the fridge to keep cool until serving.

Step 3: Ready Your Skewers

Before assembling your souvlaki skewers, soak your wooden skewers in water to stop them from burning on the grill. Trim them to fit your grill or griddle pan, then thread the marinated chicken pieces on comfortably, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your grill or griddle pan on high heat—this is key for that signature charred flavor. Place your skewers on the hot grill and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides get a lovely golden-brown color. You'll know the chicken is done when it’s cooked through and juices run clear. The aroma of lemon, garlic, and oregano sizzling away will let you know you’re on the right track!

Step 5: Warm the Pita Breads Just Right

While the chicken is grilling, heat your oven to 250°C. Brush both sides of each pita with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt and dried oregano for that authentic flavor boost. Place an upside-down baking tray on the bottom rack of the oven and arrange the pitas on top of it. Bake for just 2 minutes to warm them through and give a slight toast—but keep an eye on them so they don’t get too crispy. Alternatively, warming pita on the grill or griddle pan works great too.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve Your Souvlaki

When ready to serve, thinly slice red onions and lay them out on a platter. Arrange the sizzling hot chicken skewers on top, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve your skewers with warm pita breads and the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side. Feeling extra indulgent? Spread tzatziki inside a pita, add chicken, sliced tomatoes, onions, fried potatoes, and fresh lettuce, then wrap it all up like a Greek street food sandwich. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, soulful meal!

Top Tip

These tips come from countless grilled dinners and getting every element just right, so your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe turns out as delicious as possible every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: I always let the chicken soak in the marinade for a full hour if I can—it really makes the flavors pop and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Soak Your Skewers: Don’t skip soaking your wooden skewers in water before grilling. I learned the hard way when mine caught fire mid-cook once—soaking prevents burning and smoke flavor.
Drain the Cucumber Well: Squeezing the grated cucumber to remove excess water is a game-changer for tzatziki! It keeps the sauce thick and creamy rather than runny.
Even Chicken Pieces: Thread the chicken pieces comfortably but evenly spaced on the skewers to ensure they cook uniformly without steaming.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

The image shows a metal skewer with five pieces of light pink raw chicken, marinated with green herbs and black pepper, giving it a slightly shiny texture. The chicken pieces are evenly spaced in a row on the skewer. The skewer lays on a white paper sheet, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh and simple garnishes work best. Thin slices of red onion, ripe tomato wedges, and crisp romaine lettuce add brightness and crunch. A generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving elevate those smoky grilled flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This meal shines with warm pita breads brushed with oregano and olive oil. For sides, I love crunchy fried potatoes tucked inside the wrap or served on the side—truly traditional and so satisfying. A Greek salad or some roasted Mediterranean vegetables also pairs wonderfully for a complete feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, let the chicken souvlaki skewers cool completely before storing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep your tzatziki sauce chilled separately in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked chicken souvlaki, remove the skewers first and place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Tzatziki does not freeze well, so prepare it fresh or keep refrigerated only.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken souvlaki gently on a grill pan or in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. Warm your pita breads separately either on the grill or briefly in the oven and serve immediately with cold tzatziki.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking time—it may need a couple minutes longer over the grill to reach safe internal temperature.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinate the chicken between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This timeframe balances flavor absorption with maintaining tender texture without becoming mushy.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Tzatziki sauce benefits from at least 30 minutes chilling in the fridge to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to squeeze out the grated cucumber well to avoid watery sauce.

What can I substitute for wooden skewers?

If you don't have wooden skewers, metal skewers work perfectly. Just be careful as they get hot quickly—use tongs or gloves when turning the skewers on the grill.

Final Thoughts

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki at home is such a rewarding experience that brings a little sunshine and warmth from the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe creates authentic, delicious flavors that everyone will love. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this dish as much as I do—whether for a family meal or casual gathering. Opa!