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

If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is your ticket to juicy, flavorful chicken skewers wrapped in warm pita and topped with fresh veggies. It’s like a little Greek getaway, right in your kitchen!

Two wooden skewers hold chunks of grilled chicken with a yellowish seasoning that has darker brown grill marks on the edges. The skewers rest on a blue patterned white plate with a slightly scalloped edge. In the background, there are some red slices of tomato and a stack of light-colored flatbread. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. 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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this souvlaki for friends and family — it’s always a hit! The marinade is bursting with herbs and a subtle tang from lemon and white wine, making the chicken tender and packed with flavor.

Authenticity: Uses classic Greek herbs and spices that bring out that true Mediterranean essence.
Juicy and Tender: The lemon and white wine marinade works wonders soaking into the chicken.
Quick and Easy: You can marinate overnight or just 30 minutes for a fast, flavorful meal.
Versatile Serving: Perfect for outdoor grilling or using your indoor griddle, served in pita with refreshing tzatziki and veggies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, I always recommend sourcing the freshest herbs and a good quality Greek extra virgin olive oil. It’s the secret to capturing that authentic, rich souvlaki flavor you'll love. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why each one plays an important role.

Flat lay of peeled garlic cloves, dried oregano sprigs, dried rosemary twigs, bright red sweet paprika powder in a small white bowl, coarse kosher salt crystals in a small white bowl, whole black peppercorns in a small white bowl, small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, small white bowl of clear dry white wine, a lemon cut in half showing juicy interior, two fresh green bay leaves, raw organic boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, whole brown eggs with clean shells, ripe red tomatoes sliced, fresh crisp cucumber slices, thinly sliced white onion rings, whole glossy black Kalamata olives, thick Greek pita bread stacked neatly — all arranged symmetrically 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: Adds wonderful aroma and depth, key in Greek cuisine.
Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthiness and warmth.
Dried rosemary: Gives the marinade a piney, slightly minty undertone.
Sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken evenly.
Black pepper: Adds just a bit of heat and complexity.
Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil: Essential for coating and tenderizing chicken with authentic richness.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and a delicate fruity note for balance.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything and keeps the chicken juicy.
Bay leaves: Infuses a subtle herbal aroma during marinating.
Organic boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, tender, and perfect for skewers.
Greek pita bread: Soft and slightly chewy to hold all those delicious toppings.
Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that’s a must-have for authenticity.
Sliced tomato, cucumber, onion, Kalamata olives: Fresh veggies and briny olives add crunch and zing.
Optional sides: Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, mezze platter, or watermelon and cucumber salad all pair beautifully.

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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 this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to tweak flavors for your family’s tastes, there’s plenty of room to make this souvlaki your own.

Herb Variations: I love switching up the herbs sometimes — adding fresh mint or dill to the marinade gives it a bright, garden-fresh twist that pairs beautifully with the cool tzatziki.
Protein Swaps: If you want a change from chicken, pork or lamb cubes work just as beautifully with this marinade and grilling method. Just watch cooking times so you get that perfect juicy finish.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that livens up the smoky paprika and garlic flavors. It’s a wonderful kick without overpowering the dish.
Make it Vegetarian: For a meat-free alternative, use firm tofu or halloumi cheese cubes marinated the same way. Grill until golden and serve with all the fixings — just as delicious!
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions alongside the skewers for a colorful and wholesome meal that feels fresh and vibrant.

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

The image shows a white plate with a blue floral pattern filled with six grilled skewers of golden-brown chicken, each skewer holding about four to five pieces with visible char marks. To the upper left of the chicken, there are thin slices of white onion, glossy black olives at the top center, and several bright red tomato wedges on the upper right side. The plate is placed on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Marinade

Start by blitzing together garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and fresh lemon juice in your food processor. This is where all that signature Mediterranean flavor comes from, so make sure you get a smooth, well-blended mixture. The aroma of garlic and lemon mingled with herbs always gets me excited to cook!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Place your chicken pieces into a large bowl, pop in the bay leaves, then pour over your marinade. Toss every piece until fully coated. For best results, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or even overnight to let the flavors deeply infuse. Short on time? No worries — marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes and you’ll still get tasty results.

Step 3: Prep Skewers and Sides While Chicken Soaks Up Flavor

Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes—this keeps them from burning on the grill. While they soak, make your tzatziki sauce, slice the fresh veggies, and prepare any sides like Greek salad or hummus. This multitasking ensures everything comes together without a hitch once the chicken is ready.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken Onto Skewers

Remove bay leaves from the chicken and discard any leftover marinade. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly on each skewer. Try to keep the pieces similar in size for even grilling. I find about 5 to 6 pieces per skewer works perfectly for juicy bites.

Step 5: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill or griddle over medium-high heat and brush the grates lightly with oil. Place the chicken skewers on, turning them often so they brown evenly on all sides. Brush spare marinade over the top as they cook, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade to keep things safe. Grill for about 5 minutes total or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F—it will finish cooking as it rests to a safe 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Warm Pitas

Transfer your grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for 3 minutes—this keeps the juices locked in for tender, delicious bites. While resting, grill your pita breads briefly just to warm them through and get those lovely grill marks.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each warm pita. Slide the chicken pieces off the skewers and onto the bread, then top with slices of tomato, cucumber, onion, and a few Kalamata olives. Serve right away alongside your favorite Greek sides like salad or hummus for a meal that transports you straight to the lively streets of Athens.

Top Tip

These tips can transform your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe from great to unforgettable, helping you nail the perfect marinade and grilling technique every time.

Marinating Time Is Key: While marinating overnight delivers the deepest flavor, even 30 minutes at room temperature will infuse your chicken with that signature Mediterranean zest when you're short on time.
Soak Your Skewers Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that skipping the soaking step leads to burned skewers and bitter taste. Soaking for at least 30 minutes prevents that smoky mishap and keeps your chicken tasting fresh.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Cooking chicken to the perfect internal temperature (160°F on the grill to rest up to 165°F) ensures juicy, safe-to-eat souvlaki every time without drying it out.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the skewers rest for 3 minutes after grilling lets the juices redistribute, making for tender bites and locking in all those mouthwatering flavors.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe

Five wooden skewers are placed inside a white oval plate, each holding pieces of raw light pink chicken marinated with visible herbs and small bits of garlic, giving the chicken a slightly wet and shiny texture. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and tightly packed on the skewers, glistening with a light layer of oil that spreads a golden tone around them on the plate. The plate is set on a smooth white marbled surface, its simple clean look emphasizing the color and texture of the marinated chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add freshness and a pop of color by stacking your souvlaki pitas with sliced ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber ribbons, thinly sliced onions, and tangy Kalamata olives. A generous smear of creamy tzatziki ties it all together perfectly.

Side Dishes

Complement your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with classic sides like a vibrant Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus for dipping, a colorful mezze platter, or a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad for that juicy, crisp contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After grilling, remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making this a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your souvlaki, make sure it’s fully cooled, then place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain good flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on a medium grill or in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken from drying out. Serve immediately with fresh pita and tzatziki for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully with this marinade. Just adjust grilling time slightly, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator or overnight. If you're pressed for time, marinating at room temperature for 30 minutes also works well.

Do I have to use wooden skewers?

Wooden skewers are traditional and easy to find, but you can use metal skewers if you prefer. Just be sure to handle hot metal safely when grilling.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Using authentic Greek pita bread made from gluten-free ingredients and ensuring your sides are gluten free keeps this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about gathering around a grill or kitchen table, savoring those perfectly seasoned chicken skewers wrapped in warm pita and tangy tzatziki. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to bring Mediterranean sunshine and hospitality right into your home. I hope you enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite as much as I do!