Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with authentic Mediterranean flavors and is incredibly simple to prepare, Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is your new go-to dish. This classic combo brings tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with a refreshing, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce that perfectly balances savory and tangy. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a vibrant spread, this dish effortlessly elevates your table with its bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and delightful textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fresh: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe keeps cooking quick without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
• Healthy and Nutrient-Packed: Lean chicken and nutrient-rich tzatziki make this a guilt-free option you can enjoy anytime.
• Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: A perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and herbs transports your taste buds straight to Greece.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easy to adapt for grills, stovetops, or even oven baking based on your kitchen setup.
• Family and Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar yet exotic flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it great for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce lies in its simple, quality ingredients that work together to deliver a clean and crave-worthy dish. Every component contributes a unique texture or burst of flavor that makes this meal special, from the tangy marinade to the cool, creamy sauce.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless for faster cooking and juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
• Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to tenderize the chicken and boost flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with aromatic depth, essential for authentic Greek taste.
• Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that keeps the chicken moist and enhances richness.
• Dried oregano: The signature herb that provides earthy, slightly bitter notes to the dish.
• Greek yogurt: Thick, creamy, and tangy—the perfect base for tzatziki sauce.
• Cucumber: Grated and drained to add crunch and cool freshness to the tzatziki.
• Dill or mint (optional): Fresh herbs that elevate tzatziki’s flavor with herbal brightness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors harmoniously.

Variations for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Feel free to personalize Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce to suit your cravings or dietary needs. These easy swaps and additions keep the core delicious but let you explore different dimensions of the dish effortlessly.

• Swap chicken for pork or lamb: Use tender pork tenderloin or lamb leg for a richer meat alternative.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms.
• Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade for a smoky or spicy kick.
• Herb variations: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley instead of oregano for new herbal aromas.
• Greek pita wraps: Serve souvlaki wrapped in warm pita bread with veggies for a handheld treat.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to form a zesty, flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the tzatziki sauce

Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water using cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill or mint, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt to create a cooling sauce with the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.

Step 4: Skewer and cook the chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is charred on the edges and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Remove chicken from skewers onto a serving platter, drizzle extra olive oil if desired, and spoon generous amounts of homemade tzatziki on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for that extra vibrant pop.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

• Use dark meat for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful than breasts when grilled.
• Don’t skip marinating: Even a short 30-minute marinade makes a big difference in taste and texture.
• Keep cucumber dry for tzatziki: Removing excess moisture prevents a watery sauce.
• Preheat your grill or pan: Cooking chicken on a hot surface helps create charred edges and locks in juices.
• Serve immediately: Souvlaki tastes best fresh off the grill when the chicken is warm and tzatziki is cool.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Top your chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and lemon wedges for squeezing. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and brighten the dish with fresh citrus notes.

Side Dishes

Pair Greek Chicken Souvlaki with tzatziki sauce alongside fluffy rice pilaf, a fresh Greek salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded Mediterranean feast everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this dish into gyro-style wraps by stuffing the souvlaki and tzatziki into pita pockets with chopped onions and tomatoes. Or, arrange chicken skewers on a colorful mezze platter alongside olives, feta, and hummus for a sharable appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate prevents sogginess and maintains the slaw’s freshness.

Freezing

While tzatziki doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy texture, the marinated chicken skewers can be frozen before cooking. Store uncooked marinated chicken in freezer bags for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to prevent drying. Serve with freshly made or chilled tzatziki to keep the flavors lively and bright.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce without a grill?

Yes! You can easily cook the chicken skewers on a stovetop grill pan, under a broiler, or bake them in the oven at high heat until cooked through and lightly charred.

Is Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce healthy?

Absolutely. This recipe uses lean protein and fresh vegetables with heart-healthy olive oil and yogurt, making it a nutritious option.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

While homemade tzatziki is fresher and customizable, store-bought versions work fine for convenience—just look for ones with simple, natural ingredients.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate your chicken at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, 2 hours or overnight in the fridge will deepen the taste.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well if you want a leaner option.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will elevate your dinner game tonight. Its fresh ingredients, vibrant tastes, and simple prep make it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Greece from their own kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple on your table!

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