Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 10 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp Kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup dry white wine; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 bay leaves; 2 1/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces; Greek pita bread; Tzatziki sauce (prepared separately); Sliced tomato; Sliced cucumber; Sliced onions; Kalamata olives; Greek salad; Roasted garlic hummus; Mezze platter; Watermelon and cucumber salad

If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, herb-infused chicken skewers paired with cool, creamy tzatziki and warm pita transport you straight to the heart of Athens.

The image shows three skewers with grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with some black grill marks, arranged closely on a blue patterned plate. Behind the skewers, there are thin red slices of tomato slightly blurred. In the background, there is a white marbled textured surface. The photo has a soft focus on the chicken with the rest of the background blurred, creating a nice depth effect. 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 with Tzatziki Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how this recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, the flavors never fail to impress and satisfy.

Authentic Taste: The marinade is packed with classic Greek herbs and spices that really bring out the Mediterranean vibe.
Quick to Prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time and then let the fridge do the work with a 2-hour marinade.
Perfect for Entertaining: Skewers are easy to grill and even easier to share with friends and family.
Versatile Serving: Pair it with traditional sides or throw together a mezze platter for a full Greek feast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is the key to nailing this Greek classic. Look for organic chicken and authentic Greek olive oil to capture the true flavors you’re aiming for.

Flat lay of peeled garlic cloves, small pile of dried oregano, dried rosemary sprigs, sweet paprika powder on white ceramic plate, kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, small white ceramic bowl with golden Greek extra virgin olive oil, small white ceramic bowl with dry white wine, small white ceramic bowl with fresh lemon juice, two whole bay leaves, organic boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, ripe red tomato quarters, peeled cucumber slices, thinly sliced white onion rings, glossy Kalamata olives, plain Greek pita bread halves, small white ceramic bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce 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

Garlic cloves: Fresh and peeled to infuse the marinade with that signature robust aroma.
Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb that adds earthy, pine-like notes.
Dried rosemary: Adds a subtle woodsy fragrance that complements the chicken beautifully.
Sweet paprika: For a whisper of smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil: The star fat that brings richness and depth to the marinade.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping tenderize the chicken.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with fresh citrus zing.
Bay leaves: Infuse subtle earthy undertones during marinating.
Organic boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender, lean protein cut into perfect skewer-sized pieces.
Greek pita bread: Soft and warm, the ideal vehicle for all those amazing toppings.
Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, tangy cucumber yogurt sauce that cools and complements the grilled chicken.
Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives: Fresh toppings that add crunch, sweetness, and briny contrast.
Optional sides like Greek salad or roasted garlic hummus: Fantastic additions to turn your meal into a true Mediterranean feast.

📝

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 with Tzatziki Recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want it spicy, herbier, or even meat-free, there’s a way to make it uniquely yours while keeping that authentic Greek soul.

Spice It Up: I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade for a little kick. It wakes up the flavors without overpowering the bright lemon and herbs.
Herb Swap: If fresh herbs are on hand, swapping dried oregano and rosemary for fresh versions adds a vibrant, garden-fresh aroma. Just halve the amount since fresh herbs are more potent.
Vegetarian Option: Try marinating thick slices of halloumi or firm tofu in the same marinade and grilling them on skewers. They soak up the flavors beautifully and pair wonderfully with creamy tzatziki.
Seasonal Veggies: Thread some bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on the skewers along with the chicken for extra color and flavor—plus a veggie boost!
Quick Marinade: Short on time? Marinate chicken for just 30 minutes at room temperature. It won’t be quite as bold as the long marinate, but still delicious and juicy.

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

A large round white plate with blue floral patterns holds seven wooden skewers of grilled light brown chicken pieces with dark grill marks, arranged side by side across the plate. On the top left, there are thinly sliced white onions, next to a small pile of dark purple olives. On the top right, there are four bright red tomato slices fanned out. The plate is on a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Marinade

Start by combining garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, sweet paprika, Kosher salt, black pepper, Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil, dry white wine, and fresh lemon juice in a small food processor. Pulse gently until everything is combined into a fragrant, herb-infused marinade. A quick tip: Don’t add the bay leaves yet—they’ll go straight into the chicken bowl for easier removal later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pieces to Tender Perfection

Place your beautifully cut 1½-inch pieces of organic, boneless, skinless chicken breast into a large bowl. Tuck in two bay leaves for that classic aromatic essence. Pour your marinade over the chicken and toss until every piece is glistening. Cover tightly and into the fridge it goes for 2 hours minimum—or overnight if you want maximum flavor infusion. If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes at room temp works too!

Step 3: Prep Skewers and Sides—The Fun Part!

Before grilling, soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning—this little step makes all the difference. Meanwhile, prepare your tzatziki sauce along with all those fresh pita fixings like sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives. If you’re planning to serve sides like Greek salad or roasted garlic hummus, it’s a great time to get those ready too.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken and Fire Up the Grill

Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade and start threading the pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers. Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on and grill them, turning frequently so they brown all over. Look for that beautiful golden crust and keep an instant-read thermometer handy—you’re aiming for 160°F internally. This will take about 5 minutes total. Brush the skewers with some leftover marinade as they cook, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade after this to avoid contamination.

Step 5: Rest, Warm Pita, and Assemble Your Feast

Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 3 minutes. Time to throw your pita bread briefly on the grill—just to warm and get those slight char marks that make them irresistible. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then carefully remove chicken pieces from the skewers and pile them on. Top with those crisp slices of tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides for a true taste of the Mediterranean!

Top Tip

Getting your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki just right is all about a few key details that elevate the flavors and texture. Here are some tips from my own kitchen adventures to help you nail it every time!

Marinate Well: I always recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours in the fridge, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes at room temperature covered makes a noticeable difference in flavor and tenderness.
Soak Your Skewers: Wooden skewers can be tricky—they burn easily. Soaking them for 30 to 45 minutes prevents that harsh char and keeps the chicken juicy.
Use High Heat with Care: Grill over medium-high heat and turn the skewers often to get that beautiful golden char without drying out the chicken. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy and pull the chicken off at 160°F, letting it rest to finish cooking.
Don’t Waste the Marinade: Brush the skewers lightly with marinade while grilling for extra flavor, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

There are five raw chicken skewers placed inside a white oval plate, each skewer showing pink chicken pieces marinated with visible small bits of herbs and a light shiny layer of oil, arranged in soft piles with some oil pooling slightly at the bottom. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is key when it comes to garnishing your souvlaki. I love piling on sliced ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and tangy Kalamata olives right onto the pita with the chicken and tzatziki. Sprinkle a little extra dried oregano or a drizzle of olive oil over the top for an extra touch of Greek authenticity.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic Greek sides. Think a vibrant Greek salad, creamy roasted garlic hummus, or a colorful mezze platter with dolmas and feta. For something refreshing, a watermelon and cucumber salad is a delightful complement that balances the grill’s smokiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken souvlaki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and place them in a tightly sealed container to keep them fresh and juicy.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze unthreaded grilled chicken pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender. Warm the pita separately on the grill or in the oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

How do I make the tzatziki sauce from scratch?

Tzatziki typically combines Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill or mint. You can find a detailed recipe in the link above or easily prepare it several hours ahead to let the flavors meld.

Can I grill the souvlaki indoors?

Yes! Use a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers in batches, turning often until cooked through and nicely browned.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist on the grill?

Marinating the chicken well and not overcooking it are key. Also, letting it rest for 3 minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy bites every time.

Final Thoughts

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki at home is such a rewarding experience—it tastes like a little trip to the vibrant streets of Athens without leaving your kitchen. With the tangy marinade, the juicy grilled chicken, and that cool, creamy tzatziki, every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a cozy dinner, I hope this recipe brings a joyful feast to your table. Opa!