Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

If you love fresh Mediterranean flavors, juicy grilled chicken, and creamy homemade sauces, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is the perfect recipe to try. This classic Greek-inspired dish combines tender chicken pieces marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs, then grilled until perfectly golden and flavorful.

The highlight of this recipe is the traditional tzatziki sauce, a refreshing combination of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs that adds a creamy and cooling contrast to the smoky grilled chicken. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that is rich in protein, fresh flavors, and Mediterranean goodness.

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is perfect for a healthy lunch, family dinner, meal preparation, or a weekend gathering. It can be served with warm pita bread, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple rice bowl.

Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this recipe focuses on simple whole ingredients while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

High in protein and nutritious

Full of fresh Mediterranean flavors

Easy to prepare with simple ingredients

Perfect for grilling season

Great for healthy meal prep

Includes homemade creamy tzatziki sauce

Family-friendly and customizable

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce brings together juicy grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy tzatziki for a delicious homemade meal.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
Category: Healthy Recipes & Nutrition

Ingredients

For Greek Chicken Souvlaki

1½ pounds (700g) boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into cubes

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, grated and drained

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

Warm pita bread

Fresh lettuce

Cherry tomatoes

Red onion slices

Cucumber slices

Kalamata olives

Lemon wedges

Extra fresh herbs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by preparing the flavorful marinade that gives the chicken its authentic Greek taste.

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.

Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Add the chicken cubes and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. The lemon and herbs will deeply season the chicken and create a more tender texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the homemade tzatziki sauce.

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing extra moisture helps create a thick and creamy sauce.

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, mint, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until smooth.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

The chicken should have a slightly charred exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with a generous portion of homemade tzatziki sauce.

Add fresh vegetables, warm pita bread, olives, and lemon wedges for a complete Mediterranean meal.

The combination of smoky chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors.

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Chicken thighs contain more moisture and remain tender during grilling. Chicken breast can also be used for a leaner option.

Do Not Skip Marinating

The marinade is the key to flavorful souvlaki. Even 30 minutes can improve the taste, but longer marination creates better results.

Drain the Cucumber Properly

Removing extra water from cucumber prevents watery tzatziki and creates a thick creamy texture.

Avoid Overcooking Chicken

Cook until the chicken reaches a safe temperature but avoid cooking too long, as it can become dry.

Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh dill, parsley, and mint enhance the authentic Greek flavor of the dish.

These tips will help you prepare the best Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce with juicy chicken and authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Recipe Variations

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl

Serve the grilled chicken over quinoa, rice, or salad greens with vegetables and tzatziki sauce for a healthy bowl meal.

Low-Carb Greek Souvlaki

Skip pita bread and serve with extra vegetables, salad, and tzatziki for a lower-carbohydrate option.

Spicy Chicken Souvlaki

Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy Mediterranean twist.

Vegetarian Souvlaki

Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki

Cook marinated chicken pieces in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keep tzatziki sauce separately to maintain the best texture.

Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce with:

Greek salad

Warm pita bread

Roasted vegetables

Lemon rice

Hummus

Fresh cucumber salad

Olives and feta cheese

This recipe works perfectly for lunch, dinner, picnics, and meal preparation.

Health Benefits

High Protein Content

Chicken provides high-quality protein that supports muscle health and helps keep you satisfied.

Rich in Healthy Ingredients

Olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and yogurt provide important nutrients while adding delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Supports Balanced Meals

The combination of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables creates a nutritious meal option.

Gut-Friendly Yogurt Sauce

Greek yogurt contains protein and beneficial nutrients that make tzatziki a healthy addition to this recipe.

Mediterranean Diet Inspired

This recipe uses many traditional Mediterranean ingredients including olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and lean protein.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 2mg

(Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients and serving sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Greek Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance for quick cooking.

What is the best chicken cut for souvlaki?

Chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, while chicken breast works well for a leaner meal.

Can I cook souvlaki without a grill?

Yes. You can use a skillet, grill pan, oven, or air fryer.

How long should chicken marinate?

For the best flavor, marinate for 1–12 hours. Avoid marinating too long because lemon juice can affect texture.

Is tzatziki sauce healthy?

Yes. Greek yogurt-based tzatziki provides protein, freshness, and flavor with simple wholesome ingredients.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce brings the authentic taste of Greece to your kitchen with simple, fresh, and nutritious ingredients. The combination of juicy herb-marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and colorful Mediterranean sides creates a meal that is both delicious and healthy.

Whether you are preparing a quick family dinner, planning healthy meals for the week, or looking for a high-protein Mediterranean recipe, this dish is a perfect choice. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a recipe you will want to make again and again. The Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is an easy, protein-rich Mediterranean recipe that your whole family will enjoy.