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 according to recipe); Sliced tomato; Sliced cucumber; Sliced onions; Kalamata olives; Greek salad; Roasted garlic hummus; Mezze platter; Watermelon and cucumber salad

If you've ever dreamed of savoring the vibrant flavors of Greece right at your own dining table, then this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is your dream come true. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh herbs, and delivers that perfect charred grilled goodness every time.

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

From the moment I first made this souvlaki marinade, I was hooked—the garlicky, lemony mix paired with paprika and rosemary gives it such a vibrant aroma that fills your kitchen with a little taste of Athens.

Authentic Flavors: A marinade bursting with traditional Greek herbs and spices that transform simple chicken into something spectacular.
Quick and Simple: Minimal prep with a marinade that works beautifully even if you’re short on time.
Perfect for Grilling: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or indoor griddle, it cooks quickly to juicy, tender perfection.
Customizable Meal: Serve it with fresh pita, creamy tzatziki, and a variety of Mediterranean fixings or your favorite sides for a complete feast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, fresh and high-quality ingredients really shine. Grab organic chicken breasts, a robust Greek extra virgin olive oil, and dried herbs that pack a punch—these staples guarantee that authentic souvlaki taste.

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 garlic brings that unmistakable pungency that melds beautifully with the citrus and herbs.
Dried oregano: The cornerstone of Greek cooking, offering an earthy, slightly bitter note that brightens the marinade.
Dried rosemary: Adds a piney, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Sweet paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and vibrant color that’s signature to souvlaki.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; it’s important to season well for that balanced taste.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil: The rich, fruity olive oil ties everything together and keeps the chicken moist.
Dry white wine: A splash of acidity that tenderizes the meat and deepens flavor.
Lemon juice: Bright, fresh, and zingy, it’s what makes Greek marinades so refreshing.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma during marinating, lifting the entire dish.
Organic boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean and tender, perfect for grilling skewers that cook evenly.
Greek pita bread: Soft and warm, it’s the perfect holder for your souvlaki and toppings.
Tzatziki sauce: Creamy cucumber and garlic sauce that cools and complements the grilled meat beautifully.
Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, Kalamata olives: Classic, fresh toppings that add crispness, acidity, and saltiness.
Optional sides like Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, mezze platter, watermelon and cucumber salad: These round out the meal with extra Mediterranean flair.

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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 the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your taste or occasion. Whether you want to switch up the herbs, go lighter on the garlic, or add a twist with seasonal veggies, this dish welcomes your creativity!

Herb Swap Variation: Sometimes I love swapping dried oregano and rosemary for fresh herbs like thyme and marjoram, which gives the marinade a vibrant, garden-fresh aroma that makes the grilled chicken even more irresistible.
Spice it Up Variation: For a bit of a kick, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. It’s subtle but gives the souvlaki a nice warmth that pairs beautifully with cooling tzatziki.
Vegetarian Option: I’ve tried marinating firm tofu or halloumi cheese in the same marinade, then grilling them on skewers for a delicious meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
Seasonal Veggie Add-ins: When grilling, toss on some sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion along with the skewers. They soak up the marinade flavors and add lovely color and texture to your plate.
Serving Ideas: While the classic pita with tzatziki and fresh veggies is unbeatable, try serving your souvlaki alongside a chilled Greek salad or a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad for an even more Mediterranean feast.

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 Flavorful Marinade

Start by pulsing together garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice in a small food processor. You want a smooth, aromatic mixture that promises big flavor. Remember, hold off on the bay leaves here; we'll add those later. This step only takes a few minutes but sets the tone for the deliciousness ahead.

Step 2: Marinate Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Place your cut chicken pieces in a large bowl, toss in the bay leaves, then pour your vibrant marinade over the top. Mix well so every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 2 hours to really soak up those Mediterranean flavors. If you’re short on time, no worries—marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes instead. Either way, this step makes a world of difference.

Step 3: Prep Skewers and Fresh Fixings

While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This is also the perfect time to prepare your tzatziki sauce and slice your tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. If you’re serving additional sides like Greek salad or hummus, get those ready, too. Planning ahead keeps everything running smoothly.

Step 4: Thread Chicken Onto Skewers

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and begin threading the pieces onto your soaked skewers evenly. This part is fun—make sure each skewer has a nice mix of chicken pieces for even grilling and presentation.

Step 5: Heat Up Your Grill or Griddle

Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor griddle to medium-high heat. Brush your grill grates or griddle surface lightly with oil to prevent sticking. A hot, well-oiled surface will give you that beautiful char and sear on your chicken.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Place the skewers on your grill and cook for about 5 minutes total, turning frequently so all sides brown evenly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check—the chicken hits 160°F on the grill then finishes cooking to 165°F while resting. Brush the skewers lightly with reserved marinade as they cook, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade after. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken and Warm the Pitas

Once grilled, transfer the chicken skewers to a serving platter and let them rest for 3 minutes to lock in those juices. Meanwhile, throw your pita breads on the grill for just a minute or two—warm and slightly charred is perfect to complement that savory chicken.

Step 8: Assemble Your Souvlaki Pitas

Spread a generous layer of creamy tzatziki sauce on the warm pita. Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and pile them on top. Finish with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives for that authentic Mediterranean burst of freshness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy Your Mediterranean Feast

Serve your souvlaki pitas immediately, pairing them with optional sides like Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, watermelon and cucumber salad, or a mezze platter for a complete, vibrant spread. Trust me, the combination of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and homemade tzatziki is pure magic!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe just right is all about those little details. Here are some insider tips that make all the difference when you grill at home.

Marinating Time: I’ve found that letting the chicken soak in the marinade for the full 2 hours in the fridge really deepens the flavor and tenderness. Though if you're pressed for time, 30 minutes at room temperature still gives a nice punch.
Skewer Soak: Soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes is a must—this prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps the process stress-free.
Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat works best to get a nice char while ensuring the chicken cooks through quickly without drying out. When grilling, turn the skewers often to achieve even browning all around.
Resting Period: Letting the chicken rest for 3 minutes after grilling gives the juices a chance to settle, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Plus, it finishes cooking to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

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

Fresh, simple garnishes bring your souvlaki to life. Think juicy tomato slices, crisp cucumber ribbons, thinly sliced red onions, and briny Kalamata olives. A generous slather of cool tzatziki sauce ties it all together beautifully in warm, fluffy pita bread.

Side Dishes

For a full Mediterranean experience, serve alongside classic Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, a colorful mezze platter, or even a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad. These sides complement the souvlaki’s vibrant flavors and add plenty of variety to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After grilling, remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and place them in a tightly sealed container. Stored this way, your cooked souvlaki will stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked souvlaki for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in airtight freezer bags or containers. When properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat, or place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Warm your pita and add fresh tzatziki just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this souvlaki?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces and adjust grilling time as needed, watching for an internal temperature of 160°F before resting.

Do I need to soak the skewers if I’m using metal ones?

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

What’s the best way to reheat leftover souvlaki without drying it out?

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm it in the oven at 350°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for a long time as it can dry out the meat.

Final Thoughts

Making this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe at home is like bringing a little taste of Athens right to your table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a real crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a griddle in the kitchen, these savory skewers paired with creamy tzatziki are guaranteed to become a favorite. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and dive into the wonderful world of Mediterranean cooking—it’s a delicious adventure you’ll want to savor again and again!