Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 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 (quantity as needed for skewers); Tzatziki Sauce (prepared according to recipe); Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives (to taste); Greek salad; Roasted garlic hummus; Mezze platter; Watermelon and cucumber salad

If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of Athens, you know there's nothing quite like the aroma and flavor of authentic grilled souvlaki. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe brings that experience right into your kitchen, delivering juicy, tender chicken paired with tangy, refreshing tzatziki – an absolute crowd-pleaser every time.

Two wooden skewers hold chunks of grilled chicken with a yellowish seasoning that has darker brown grill marks on the edges. The skewers rest on a blue patterned white plate with a slightly scalloped edge. In the background, there are some red slices of tomato and a stack of light-colored flatbread. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. 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’ve made this souvlaki so many times, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer backyard gathering. Every time, the marinade works its magic, infusing the chicken with bright, herbaceous notes that perfectly complement the cool, creamy tzatziki. It’s simple to prepare but feels truly special.

Authentic Flavor: Traditional Greek herbs and spices create that unmistakable souvlaki taste.
Juicy & Tender Chicken: Marinating ensures each piece stays moist and full of flavor after grilling.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Easy to grill indoors or outside, great for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
Gluten-Free & Fresh: Naturally gluten-free with fresh veggies and homemade tzatziki for a healthy twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your hands on quality ingredients really makes this recipe shine. I always reach for organic chicken breasts for their tenderness and milder flavor, plus a good Greek extra virgin olive oil that elevates the marinade’s richness. Fresh garlic and dried herbs bring that classic Greek dimension to the dish.

Flat lay of peeled garlic cloves, dried oregano sprigs, dried rosemary twigs, bright red sweet paprika powder in a small white bowl, coarse kosher salt crystals in a small white bowl, whole black peppercorns in a small white bowl, small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, small white bowl of clear dry white wine, a lemon cut in half showing juicy interior, two fresh green bay leaves, raw organic boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, whole brown eggs with clean shells, ripe red tomatoes sliced, fresh crisp cucumber slices, thinly sliced white onion rings, whole glossy black Kalamata olives, thick Greek pita bread stacked neatly — all arranged symmetrically 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 garlic gives a robust, pungent aroma essential to the marinade's bold profile.
Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds earthy, slightly minty notes.
Dried rosemary: Just a hint adds a piney fragrance and depth.
Sweet paprika: Provides gentle warmth and a subtle smoky-sweet essence.
Kosher salt: Key to seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil: High-quality oil boosts richness and authenticity.
Dry white wine: Brightens the marinade with acidity and subtle fruitiness.
Juice of lemon: Injects fresh citrus tang to tenderize and uplift.
Bay leaves: Impart delicate herbal notes when simmered or marinated alongside the chicken.
Organic boneless skinless chicken breast: Clean, lean meat that crisps nicely on the grill.
Greek pita bread: The perfect soft, warm vessel for folding in all the delicious components.
Tzatziki sauce: Creamy cucumber yogurt sauce balances the spice and charred chicken beautifully.
Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, Kalamata olives: Fresh toppings that add texture, color, and bright flavors.
Optional sides: Think Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, mezze platter, or watermelon cucumber salad for a full Mediterranean feast.

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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 with Tzatziki Recipe is how easily it lends itself to your personal touch. Whether you're adapting it to suit dietary needs, seasonal produce, or just your flavor preferences, it’s a versatile dish that feels like a warm hug from the streets of Athens.

Vegetarian variation: Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion, or try firm tofu marinated in the same souvlaki marinade. I love this when I want to give my vegetarian friends a taste of Greek grilling magic without missing out on flavor.
Extra zing: Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or dill into the tzatziki sauce for an herby lift. It brightens the dish beautifully, especially during summer months when fresh herbs are at their peak.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when making your marinade. It adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the classic Greek flavors.
Serving style: Instead of pita, try serving the grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa or a crisp Greek salad for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that’s just as satisfying.

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

The image shows a white plate with a blue floral pattern filled with six grilled skewers of golden-brown chicken, each skewer holding about four to five pieces with visible char marks. To the upper left of the chicken, there are thin slices of white onion, glossy black olives at the top center, and several bright red tomato wedges on the upper right side. The plate is placed on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Marinade

I start by blending 10 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper, along with ¼ cup of Greek extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup of dry white wine, and the juice of one lemon in a food processor. Don’t add the bay leaves here — they get tossed in later with the chicken. Pulsing the ingredients until smooth creates an aromatic, flavorful base that will soak right into the chicken. As you blend, your kitchen fills with those classic Mediterranean scents — it’s such a joyful moment!

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness

Once the marinade is ready, I place the 2 ½ pounds of bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a large bowl, add the two bay leaves, then pour the marinade over. Toss everything well, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Then cover tightly and pop it into the fridge for 2 hours or overnight if you can — this is the true secret to juicy, flavor-packed souvlaki. If you’re short on time, just let it marinate 30 minutes at room temperature covered, and you’ll still get great results.

Step 3: Prepping Skewers and Tzatziki Fixings

While the chicken marinates, I soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for around 30 to 45 minutes. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. At the same time, I prepare the homemade Tzatziki sauce and chop up fresh pita toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives. If you’re adding optional sides like Greek salad or roasted garlic hummus, now’s the time to get those ready as well — prepping ahead makes assembling a breeze once the grill’s hot.

Step 4: Skewering the Chicken Pieces

After marinating, I remove the chicken from the bowl, discard the bay leaves, and thread the pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers. This is where the chicken really starts to take shape and look festive and inviting—perfect for both indoor grills and backyard barbecues alike.

Step 5: Grilling to Tender, Juicy Perfection

I brush the grill grates with oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Then I lay the skewers down carefully and cook, turning frequently for even browning, about 5 minutes total. Monitoring the internal temp is key here; I aim for 160°F on an instant-read thermometer since the meat will rest to 165°F. While grilling, I lightly brush the chicken with the leftover marinade (but remember to discard any marinade that’s touched raw chicken). This gives a gorgeous glaze and keeps the meat moist. Adjusting the grill’s heat as needed ensures nothing burns, just those beautiful grill marks!

Step 6: Rest, Warm the Pita, and Assemble

Once grilled, I transfer the skewers to a serving platter and let the chicken rest for about 3 minutes to lock in those juices. Meanwhile, I quickly grill the pita bread until warm and pliable. Then comes the fun part — removing chicken from skewers, spreading a generous layer of cool, creamy Tzatziki sauce on the pita, adding tender grilled chicken, and topping with crisp veggies and Kalamata olives. Each bite is a bright, satisfying balance of savory, tangy, and fresh.

Top Tip

Getting your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki just right is all about a few key details that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips I've found invaluable through cooking and sharing this dish with friends and family.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: I always recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature can work, but the longer marinade time really lets those traditional Greek spices and lemon juice penetrate deeply.
Soak Your Skewers: Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers! This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps the chicken cooking evenly without any unpleasant charred flavors.
Use a Thermometer: To avoid drying out your chicken or undercooking it, rely on an instant-read thermometer. Pull the skewers off the heat at 160°F — the chicken will finish cooking during resting and reach a safe 165°F.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give the skewers space on the grill or griddle to brown evenly. Crowding leads to steaming instead of grilling, which can make your chicken less flavorful and less crisp on the edges.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Five wooden skewers are placed inside a white oval plate, each holding pieces of raw light pink chicken marinated with visible herbs and small bits of garlic, giving the chicken a slightly wet and shiny texture. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and tightly packed on the skewers, glistening with a light layer of oil that spreads a golden tone around them on the plate. The plate is set on a smooth white marbled surface, its simple clean look emphasizing the color and texture of the marinated chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is everything here! Pile your souvlaki pitas with sliced ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and briny Kalamata olives. A generous spoonful of homemade Tzatziki sauce ties it all together with cooling creaminess and a hint of garlic.

Side Dishes

Round out the meal with classic sides like a vibrant Greek salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or serve alongside a roasted garlic hummus for a rich, savory contrast. A mezze platter full of olives, cheeses, and grilled veggies adds variety, and for a refreshing twist, try a watermelon and cucumber salad to balance the smoky flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, unthread the chicken from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your grilled chicken souvlaki will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance or save leftovers longer, freeze the chicken pieces (unthreaded) in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on a grill pan or in a hot skillet to revive the grill char and warmth without drying it out. You can also warm it briefly in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. Serve with freshly warmed pita and extra Tzatziki for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more forgiving texture when grilled. You can use the same marinade and cooking method, but keep an eye on cooking time as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pita bread or substitute with a gluten-free flatbread.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This helps deepen the flavors even before you add the chicken.

What if I don’t have a grill or griddle?

No worries! You can cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan on your stovetop. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and turn frequently for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki brings a little Greek sunshine into your kitchen. Through simple ingredients and a bit of patience with the marinade and grill, you create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a casual weekday dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this recipe always delivers on taste and tradition. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a genuine slice of Greece on your plate!