Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

HealthyRecipes
Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner
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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki pinit
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Tender, flavorful skewers straight from the Mediterranean!

Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Bring the vibrant flavors of Greece to your kitchen with this easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe! Marinated in lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, the chicken turns irresistibly juicy and charred when grilled.

Served with warm pita bread, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Plus, it’s healthy, protein-packed, and gluten-free friendly—making it a crowd-pleaser for all!

Recommended Occasions: Weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, meal prep, family gatherings.

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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
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Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Calories: 280 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki:

For Serving:

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice & zest, vinegar, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

    • Add chicken cubes, toss well, and marinate for 30 mins (or up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor.

  1. Skewer the Chicken:

    • Thread chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

    • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
  1. Grill or Pan-Cook:

    • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the surface. Cook skewers for 3-4 mins per side until charred and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

    • Stovetop: Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Lightly oil the surface. Cook skewers for 4-5 mins per side.

  1. Rest & Serve:

    • Let chicken rest for 5 mins. Warm pita bread on the grill for 30 secs.

    • Serve with pita, fresh veggies, and tzatziki.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 650mg28%
Potassium 450mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 100 mcg
Vitamin C 14 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Gluten-Free (use Gluten Free pita)
  • Dairy-Free (skip tzatziki or or make it with dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt). Skip optional feta.
  • Low-Carb/Keto (serve over salad instead of pita)
Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, Mediterranean grilled chicken, easy skewer recipe, healthy chicken dinner, homemade tzatziki, gluten-free souvlaki

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
What other meat can I for Souvlaki besides chicken?

Pork or lamb are popular choices too!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Cut them into slightly larger cubes (1.5 inches) and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side to prevent dryness, as breasts are leaner than thighs. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can safely marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (overnight is great!). Marinating longer than 24 hours can make the texture mushy due to the lemon juice.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Absolutely! Use a stovetop grill pan or a regular heavy skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is nicely browned. You can also broil them on a sheet pan 4-6 inches from the heat for similar timing.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooked chicken (removed from skewers), veggies, tzatziki, and pita separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
*Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent toughness. Reheat pita briefly in a toaster or dry skillet. Assemble fresh.