Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki Recipe

If you’re hungry for a meal that feels festive yet impossibly simple, let me introduce you to the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki. It’s a vibrant, bold dish where tender marinated chicken skewers meet warm, pillowy pita, all tied together with creamy, garlicky Tzatziki sauce. Each bite tastes like summer on a Greek island, with bursts of lemon, oregano, and a rainbow of fresh toppings. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weeknight dinner or a lively backyard gathering, this recipe brings sunshine to your table—no plane ticket needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki lies in its fresh, high-quality staples and fragrant Mediterranean spices. Every ingredient pulls its weight, delivering incredible flavor, vibrant color, and a satisfying medley of textures.

• Garlic cloves: These are the backbone of the marinade, providing deep, aromatic flavor.
• Dried oregano: A must for authentic Greek taste—earthy, peppery, and slightly bitter.
• Dried rosemary: Just a touch brings an unmistakable herbal note to the chicken.
• Sweet paprika: Adds gentle warmth and beautiful color to the marinade.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Greek extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, this forms the base of the marinade—choose the best you can find.
• Dry white wine: Tenderizes the chicken and adds depth; you’ll taste the difference!
• Lemon juice: Bright and zesty, it lifts every other flavor.
• Bay leaves: These infuse subtle aroma during marinating, giving a classic soul to the dish.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, juicy, and the perfect canvas for all those Greek flavors.
• Greek pita bread: Soft, chewy, and ready to cradle every delicious topping.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, refreshing, and full of cucumber and dill—don’t skip it!
• Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives: Fresh toppings add crunch, color, and a salty punch.
• Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, Mezze platter, watermelon and cucumber salad: Optional sides make your spread feel like a taverna feast.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small food processor, combine the garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice (hold off on the bay leaves for now). Pulse everything together into a richly aromatic marinade. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is finely chopped and all the herbs are evenly distributed—it should smell downright irresistible!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Toss in the bay leaves, then pour the marinade over the chicken, turning everything to coat thoroughly. The bay leaves will infuse everything with a more subtle, woodsy note. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or let the flavors mingle overnight for extra depth. If you’re short on time, even a brief 30-minute soak will work wonders.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers and Sides

Before you grill, soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for about 30 to 45 minutes—this keeps them from burning. While the chicken marinates, whip up your Tzatziki sauce (trust me, homemade is unbeatable!) and prep fresh fixings like the sliced veggies. If you want a proper Mediterranean spread, now’s the time to make Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, or even a quick watermelon and cucumber salad.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated and your skewers are ready, thread the juicy chicken pieces onto each skewer. Leave a little breathing room between them so everything cooks evenly and the edges get beautifully charred.

Step 5: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your outdoor grill or griddle to medium-high, brushing the grates with a bit of olive oil to keep things from sticking. Arrange the chicken skewers over the grates and cook, turning often, for about 5 minutes total. You’ll want a gorgeous brown crust outside while the inside stays tender and just cooked through—watch for an internal temperature of 160°F; it’ll climb to 165°F as it rests. While grilling, brush the chicken lightly with any reserved marinade, but remember to toss out what’s left after for food safety.

Step 6: Rest and Grill the Pitas

Move your finished chicken skewers to a serving platter and let them rest for 3 minutes (this keeps them juicy!). In the meantime, throw your pita breads on the grill for a minute or two until warm and a little smoky—keep them wrapped in a towel or foil so they stay pliable.

Step 7: Assemble Your Souvlaki Pitas

Spread each warm pita with a generous layer of homemade Tzatziki. Slide the grilled chicken off the skewers and add it to the pita, along with your favorite combo of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and tangy Kalamata olives. Fold, wrap, and get ready for the flavor parade!

Step 8: Add Sides and Serve

If you want the full Greek taverna experience, plate your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki alongside Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, roasted garlic hummus, or even a festive Mezze platter. Pile everything onto platters and serve family-style for maximum joy.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki

Garnishes

Give your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki a finishing touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and an extra drizzle of golden olive oil. A few extra lemon wedges on the side don’t hurt—everyone loves a little squeeze of citrus just before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This is truly a meal in itself, but the best Greek feasts are all about abundance! Consider serving with a classic Greek salad, bright and crunchy, or scoop up some roasted garlic hummus with pita. Watermelon and cucumber salad is especially refreshing on a warm day, and a colorful Mezze platter brings both variety and fun to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can go beyond the classic pita wrap! Turn your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki into platter-style bowls over rice, salad, or even crispy potatoes. Build a DIY souvlaki bar and let everyone make their own wraps with their favorite toppings. For parties, serve mini skewers with shot glasses of Tzatziki for dipping—irresistible and totally shareable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken souvlaki keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken, pita, and toppings separately for the best texture; assemble wraps fresh for every meal. Tzatziki sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 4 days—give it a stir before serving.

Freezing

While the pita and fresh veggies are best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely freeze leftover grilled chicken. Let it cool completely, then pack portions into freezer bags or containers. Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki chicken keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and always make a fresh batch of Tzatziki when serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat souvlaki chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, just until warmed through—overheating can dry it out. Alternatively, pop it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Warm pita in the oven wrapped in foil, or microwave for 20 seconds with a damp paper towel for softness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill. Just trim excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces. Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki will turn out extra succulent.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Ideally, marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is truly best for flavor penetration and tenderness. If you’re short on time, even 30–60 minutes will still give you a tasty meal.

What’s the secret to a creamy, flavorful Tzatziki sauce?

The key is to use thick Greek yogurt, grate and drain the cucumber well so it’s not watery, and use plenty of fresh garlic and dill. A touch of good olive oil adds extra richness!

Can I cook the chicken souvlaki indoors?

Yes! A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works wonders if you don’t have outdoor space. Just be sure to cook over medium-high heat and turn skewers for even browning—a smoky finish from the pan is wonderful.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the marinade?

No worries. Just finely mince the garlic and stir everything together by hand. The flavors will still shine—just make sure everything is well combined for your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki as I am to share it! There’s just something magical about those herby skewers, fluffy pita, and refreshing sauce that brings people together. Dive in, have fun with toppings, and make this vibrant Mediterranean classic your own. Your tastebuds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

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