Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
One of the best and most beloved Mediterranean recipes is Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and represents the Mediterranean way of cooking: fresh, healthy ingredients and bold, herby flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
½ cucumber, grated and drained
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt to taste
Optional Add-ons:
Warm pita or flatbread
Chopped red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce
Crumbled feta cheese
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes and mix well.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for more flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki:
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a paper towel.
In a bowl, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill/mint, and salt.
Mix well and refrigerate until serving. Let it chill for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Thread chicken pieces onto skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water 30 min first).
Grill or pan-sear on medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
4. Serve:
Serve skewers over pita with tzatziki, veggies, and feta. Or remove the chicken from the skewers and build a pita wrap.
Notes & Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Tzatziki can be made a day ahead—it gets better with time.
Add a touch of sumac or paprika for extra zest.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is tzatziki sauce made of?
A: Tzatziki is a creamy Greek yogurt sauce made with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill or mint.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and often more flavorful. They work perfectly for Soulvaki and are less likely to dry out when grilled.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: Ideally, marinate for 2–4 hours to absorb flavor. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes is the minimum. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the meat too much.
Q: Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
A: Absolutely. You can pan-sear it, roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, or even use a grill pan or air fryer.
Nutrition information
Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g