Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Greece right to your kitchen. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, the tender chicken is perfectly grilled and paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of my all-time favorite dishes. There’s something so comforting about the combination of perfectly grilled chicken, zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and that creamy, cool tzatziki sauce.

The first time I made this recipe, I was amazed by how easy it was to recreate the flavors I love from my favorite Greek restaurants, all in my own kitchen. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to be the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh.

What I love about Greek Chicken Souvlaki is its versatility. Whether you serve it on a skewer, in a pita, or over a bed of greens, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

And the best part? It’s a healthy meal that packs in protein and flavor without being heavy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The fresh ingredients and simple technique make this dish a go-to in my meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: With a few key ingredients and a bit of marinating time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Healthy: This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the olive oil, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Full of Flavor: The marinade, made with lemon, garlic, and herbs, gives the chicken a fresh, tangy kick, while the tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, cooling balance.
Customizable: Serve it in a pita, over a salad, or on skewers – there are endless ways to enjoy this meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chicken can be grilled ahead of time and used for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, for skewering. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Let It Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate the Cucumber: Using a box grater, grate the cucumber. To remove excess moisture, wrap the grated cucumber in a paper towel or cheesecloth and squeeze gently.
Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill. Stir everything together until smooth.
Season the Sauce: Taste the tzatziki sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust the lemon juice or garlic to suit your preference.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce while the chicken marinates. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the Grill: If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring that they are evenly spaced.
Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Rest the Chicken: After grilling, remove the chicken from the skewers and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Prepare the Sides: While the chicken is resting, prepare your sides. You can serve the souvlaki with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or even on a bed of rice.
Serve the Chicken: Arrange the grilled chicken on a platter or serve it individually with a side of tzatziki sauce. You can also garnish with crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and fresh parsley.
Enjoy: Serve the Greek Chicken Souvlaki immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Instead of chicken, you can use firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Marinate and grill just as you would with chicken for a flavorful vegetarian meal.
Spicy Chicken Souvlaki: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you prefer a little heat in your souvlaki.
Different Protein: While this recipe uses chicken, you can also substitute lamb, pork, or even shrimp for different variations of this classic Greek dish.
Make a Salad: Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of fresh greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives for a light and refreshing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent choice for souvlaki! They’re more tender and juicy, and they soak up the marinade well. Just make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep its flavor while the ingredients continue to meld.

3. Can I make this dish without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can make Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a grill pan or even in the oven. To oven-bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Serve

The best part about Greek Chicken Souvlaki is how you can customize it to your liking. I personally love it served with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. You can also serve it over rice or couscous, or even add it to a grain bowl with quinoa for a complete, balanced meal.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a “build-your-own” souvlaki bar where everyone can assemble their own pita wraps with all the fixings. This works perfectly for casual dinners or gatherings with friends and family.