If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, then the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken marinated to perfection and seared over the grill, paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce that makes every bite a delight. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests, delivering that perfect balance of tangy, herby, and smoky notes that define authentic Greek cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, brightness, or depth to the flavor profile. These essentials come together to ensure a colorful, tasty meal that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
- Chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces of lean chicken, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up marinade flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the chicken while helping the marinade bind.
- Lemon juice: Injects citrusy brightness that tenderizes the chicken and lifts the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse both the chicken and the sauce with bold, savory notes.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of olive oil and yogurt.
- Dried oregano and dried thyme: Classic Greek herbs that deliver an earthy, aromatic punch.
- Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and beautiful color to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element of the dish.
- Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the tzatziki sauce and complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
- Cucumber: Grated and drained, it brings crunch and coolness to the sauce.
- Fresh dill: Bright, grassy, and indispensable in a traditional tzatziki.
- Warm pita bread: The perfect vessel for wrapping up the souvlaki and sauce.
- Sliced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh lettuce: Fresh, colorful garnishes that add texture and freshness on the plate.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is where all the magic begins—each ingredient infuses the chicken with layers of flavor that will develop during marination, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with zest and herbs.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or even overnight if you have time. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to soften, preparing it for the grill.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken soaks up the marinade, mix Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a medium bowl. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This sauce is the cool, creamy counterpoint that makes the grilled chicken even more irresistible.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning. Then, grill the skewers for around 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to develop beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking. The result is tender, smoky chicken with a perfect char.
Step 5: Warm the Pita Bread
While the chicken is finishing up, warm your pita bread on the grill or in the oven until soft and slightly pliable, perfect for wrapping the souvlaki and toppings.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Serve your grilled chicken skewers alongside warm pita, slices of tomato and red onion, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of that tangy tzatziki sauce. This combination is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, capturing the essence of the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onions add essential crunch, sweetness, and a slight sharpness that balance the savory chicken and creamy sauce, making each mouthful vibrant and refreshing.
Side Dishes
Pair this souvlaki with traditional Greek sides such as a crisp Greek salad, lemony roasted potatoes, or even a simple tabbouleh to enhance the Mediterranean vibe and round out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the chicken souvlaki family-style on a large platter with extra pita and sauces, or build DIY souvlaki wraps where everyone can customize their pita with different toppings, creating a fun and interactive dining experience perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. This way, the chicken stays juicy, and the sauce remains vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to keep grilled chicken souvlaki longer, freeze the cooked skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. It’s best to freeze the chicken without the tzatziki, as yogurt-based sauces don’t freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the chicken tender and moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Serve with fresh tzatziki sauce on the side to restore that bright, cool flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill, so if you prefer a richer flavor and tender texture, thighs work beautifully in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least one hour is ideal for good flavor absorption, but if you have more time, marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat even more.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
Wooden skewers are traditional and easy to find, but if you don’t have them, metal skewers work just as well. Just be careful when handling them as they get hot quickly on the grill.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare tzatziki a day ahead. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together, and it keeps well refrigerated until serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ party?
Definitely! Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for outdoor barbecues and casual get-togethers. The skewers make it easy for guests to enjoy without fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a culinary hug from the Mediterranean, bringing together fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and smoky grilled chicken in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. So fire up that grill, grab your skewers, and start making memories with every delicious bite!
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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including 1-hour marination)
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated grilled chicken skewers served with warm pita bread and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. A perfect Greek-inspired meal ready in just over an hour, ideal for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4–5 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Fresh lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess liquid squeezed out, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- Prepare the Grill and Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill, cooking for 10-12 minutes. Turn occasionally to achieve even cooking and nice grill marks, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Warm the pita bread on the grill or in an oven. Assemble the dish by placing the grilled chicken on pita bread alongside sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of the homemade tzatziki sauce. Enjoy your authentic chicken souvlaki!
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For extra tender chicken, marinate overnight if possible.
- If you don’t have a grill, chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or under a broiler, adjusting times accordingly.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges for extra zest.
