Mediterranean Chicken Soulvaki with Tzatziki Sauce
A classic Greek street food — juicy, herb-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. Serve with pita bread, rice, or salad for a full Mediterranean meal.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to overnight
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour (with marinating)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soulvaki:
1.5 lbs (700g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Wooden skewers (if grilling)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or mint)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze to remove water), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt.
Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors blend.
3. Cook the Chicken
Grill: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Stovetop: Sauté in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 10–12 minutes, until browned on all sides.
Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes or broil for a golden finish.
4. Serve
Serve the souvlaki with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumber, or a Greek salad.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more juicy flavor, especially if grilling.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using on the grill to prevent burning.
Optional sides: Greek lemon rice, roasted potatoes, or tabbouleh.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I cook this without a grill?
A: Yes! Use a cast iron pan, grill pan, or bake in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Absolutely. Marinate, then freeze raw. Thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as normal.
Q: How long does tzatziki last?
A: Store in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 360 kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g
Sodium 380mg