Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg); 4 tbsp olive oil; juice of 1 lemon; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tbsp dried oregano; salt, to taste; freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 cucumber; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 500 g strained yogurt (18 ounces); 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar; pinch of salt; 8 pita breads; olive oil, for brushing; 1-2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tomato, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; fried potatoes (optional); romaine (cos) lettuce (optional); salt, to taste; freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8-9 wooden skewers

There’s something truly irresistible about grilling up tender chicken on skewers, especially when paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is my go-to for bringing vibrant Mediterranean flavors right into my kitchen—and yours too!

The image shows a white plate with four metal skewers holding chunks of grilled meat that are light brown with dark grill marks and slightly charred edges. The pieces are uneven in shape and stacked closely on the skewers. On the left side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges, bright yellow with a juicy, shiny texture, placed next to a small bunch of fresh green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth and two small red tomatoes in the bottom left corner. 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 Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these skewers, I feel like I’m transported to a cozy Greek taverna by the sea. It’s fresh, aromatic, and just the right balance of juicy and tangy. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together!

Authentic flavor: The marinade with lemon, oregano, and garlic gives that unmistakable Greek taste you crave.
Fresh homemade tzatziki: Cooling cucumber and creamy yogurt balance the smoky grilled chicken perfectly.
Simple prep: Just 30 minutes of marinating and a quick 10-minute cook time gets you dinner on the table fast.
Perfect for sharing: Makes about 10 skewers, ideal for family meals or entertaining friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about picking the right ingredients before we dive into cooking. Choosing fresh, quality produce matters here—especially the chicken and yogurt—to get that rich, tender result and creamy tzatziki you’ll love.

Flat lay of four boneless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a lemon halved to show bright yellow juice, one whole garlic bulb with two loose cloves peeled and minced, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a fresh cucumber halved with part peeled and seeded, a small white bowl of thick strained yogurt, a small white bowl of red wine vinegar, a whole ripe tomato sliced, a whole red onion sliced, a few green romaine lettuce leaves, several whole pita breads stacked, and a few wooden skewers arranged neatly, all 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

Boneless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to marinate, they cook evenly on skewers for tender bites.
Olive oil: A staple in Greek cooking, it helps keep the chicken juicy and adds that fruity richness.
Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes the meat and lifts the flavor.
Garlic (minced): For that savory depth in both the marinade and tzatziki sauce.
Dried oregano: The herbaceous signature of Greek cuisine that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Cucumber: Peeled and seeded for the tzatziki, it provides cool freshness and crunch.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the tzatziki for smooth texture and subtle flavor.
Strained yogurt: Greek-style yogurt gives tzatziki its creamy body without being watery.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and balances the richness of the sauce.
Pita breads: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping or dipping alongside your souvlaki.
Tomato and red onion slices: Fresh vegetables that brighten the whole dish.
Fried potatoes (optional): For an authentic and hearty touch if you want to go traditional.
Romaine (cos) lettuce (optional): Adds crunch and a fresh bite in wraps.
Wooden skewers: Soaking them before use prevents burning and makes grilling easier.

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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

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite sides to make this dish truly your own!

Variation: For a low-carb option, serve the grilled chicken skewers over a crisp Greek salad instead of pita bread. I personally love this on hot summer days when lighter meals feel just right.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with halloumi cheese chunks or marinated mushrooms on the skewers for a tasty vegetarian take that still pairs beautifully with the creamy tzatziki.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade if you enjoy a little heat. When I introduced this to friends, the subtle kick was a big hit!
Seasonal Freshness: Toss some fresh herbs like mint or dill into the tzatziki for an even fresher, garden-inspired flavor that brightens up the dish.
Outdoor Grill: Whenever weather permits, cooking the souvlaki skewers on an outdoor grill gives them an irresistible smoky aroma that really brings out that authentic Greek taverna feel.

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

The image shows a white plate with two metal skewers on top holding grilled chunks of chicken, brown with grill marks and specks of herbs. Underneath the skewers, there are pieces of light beige flatbread folded and layered. To the side, there is a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumber, red cherry tomato halves, dark olives, white cubes of cheese, and thin slices of purple onion. At the bottom of the plate, two slices of lemon wedge add a bright yellow color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of white sauce with herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Juicy, Flavorful Bites

Start by chopping your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 2 to 3 cm each. Toss them in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one juicy lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Use your hands to really mix everything well — this helps the marinade coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken soak in all those flavors for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour if you have the time. This marinating step is key—it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with that signature Greek zing.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh, Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, let’s make the tzatziki sauce—a cool, creamy contrast that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. First, peel and seed the cucumber, then grate it into a large bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a bit of freshly ground pepper, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After that, wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze tightly to remove any remaining water; this keeps your sauce thick, not watery.

Next, blend ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil with 2 cloves of minced garlic until smooth. In a bowl or your blender, combine the squeezed cucumber, blended garlic and olive oil, 500 grams of strained yogurt, 1 to 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, plus a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is perfectly combined and creamy. Chill it in the fridge to serve cold alongside the souvlaki. Pro tip: Using strained yogurt makes the tzatziki luscious and indulgent!

Step 3: Assemble and Soak the Skewers to Prevent Burning

Grab those wooden skewers and trim them to fit your griddle pan if needed. Then, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes—this simple step prevents them from catching fire when grilling. Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces comfortably but snugly onto the soaked skewers, making sure there’s a little space so heat can circulate and cook the meat evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Beautiful Golden Perfection

Preheat your grill or griddle pan to high heat—that sizzling temperature is what gives the souvlaki that irresistible char and smoky flavor. Grill your skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes so each side browns nicely and the chicken cooks through. You’ll know it’s done when the pieces are evenly golden and the juices run clear. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor grill, this is the perfect time to use it for authentic smoky hints.

Step 5: Warm the Pita Breads for the Ultimate Wrap

Preheat your oven to 250°C (that's about 480°F). Brush both sides of your pita breads lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried oregano. Place a large oven tray upside down on the lower rack of your oven and lay the pita breads on top. Bake for just 2 minutes to warm them through and give them a slight toasty edge. If you don’t have an oven handy, a griddle pan or grill works perfectly too! Warm pita is essential—it makes folding your souvlaki wraps so much easier and tastier.

Step 6: Serve and Savor Your Homemade Greek Feast

Arrange thinly sliced red onions on a serving platter and lay your beautifully grilled chicken souvlaki skewers on top. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over everything and squeeze some fresh lemon juice for that burst of brightness. Serve the warm pita breads alongside your chilled tzatziki sauce. For a classic souvlaki experience, spread tzatziki inside the pita, then add chicken, onions, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and even some fried potatoes if you like, and wrap it up tight. Every bite bursts with traditional Mediterranean flavors, transporting you straight to a cozy Greek taverna.

Top Tip

These insider tips will help you nail the flavors and textures of your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe, making your homemade souvlaki taste just like it’s from a traditional Greek taverna.

Marinate Just Right: I’ve found that marinating the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes but not exceeding 1 hour keeps the meat tender and flavorful without turning mushy.
Soak Your Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill—a simple step that saves you from charred wooden bits in your chicken!
Squeeze Excess Water from Cucumber: Draining the grated cucumber well is key to avoiding a watery tzatziki sauce—use a clean kitchen towel to really get the moisture out.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Brush: Brushing the pita breads with olive oil and sprinkling dried oregano before warming them elevates their flavor and keeps them soft and fragrant.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe

A skewer with five pieces of raw meat, light pink in color, marinated with visible green and black herbs and seasoning, shiny with a wet texture, laid on a white sheet of paper placed on a white marbled textured surface. The skewer is metal with a looped end on the left side and a pointed tip on the right side. The pieces of meat are chunky and irregularly shaped, placed close together on the skewer photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is everything! Garnish your skewers with thinly sliced red onions, ripe tomato slices, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for that authentic Greek touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving will brighten all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, warm pita breads are a must-have to scoop up that luscious tzatziki. Fried potatoes add a traditional, crunchy component and fresh romaine lettuce provides a crisp contrast if you want to wrap everything into a delicious souvlaki sandwich. A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese is also a wonderful complement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooked chicken souvlaki skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce separately in a sealed jar or container to maintain its fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated chicken pieces (before threading on skewers) for up to 1 month. Make sure to thaw them thoroughly in the fridge overnight before grilling. Cooked souvlaki skewers freeze well too—wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat cooked skewers gently on a grill pan or under a broiler to keep them juicy and nicely charred. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. For tzatziki, always serve it cold and fresh—give it a quick stir if it needs loosening.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative — they stay juicy and tender, especially when grilled. Just cut them into similar 2-3 cm pieces and marinate as directed.

How do I prevent the tzatziki from being too watery?

The key is to grate the cucumber, season it with salt, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a kitchen towel. Using thick strained yogurt also helps keep the sauce creamy.

Can I make the marinade and tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be prepared several hours in advance or even the night before for deeper flavor. The tzatziki sauce tastes best freshly made but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

What’s the best way to cook chicken souvlaki if I don’t have a grill?

A griddle pan heated on high works wonderfully if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just remember to turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and nice browning all around.

Final Thoughts

Making this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe is like inviting a little bit of Greece right into your kitchen. With simple, fresh ingredients and just a bit of patience, you’ll enjoy succulent, aromatic chicken wrapped in warm pita and loaded with bright, creamy tzatziki — a truly heartwarming meal. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire your next Mediterranean feast. Kali orexi!