Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Pita
Chicken souvlaki is a Greek street food favorite made from skewered and grilled marinated chicken. Served with refreshing tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread, this dish is simple, flavorful, and ideal for a light yet satisfying Mediterranean meal. You can enjoy it plated, in wraps, or as part of a mezze spread.
⏱ Time Required:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–4 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (with 1 hr marination)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: wooden skewers (soaked in water if grilling)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
For Serving:
4 pita breads or flatbreads
Sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber
Fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Tzatziki
1. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
2. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill (or mint), olive oil, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
2. Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 4–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through. Stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil and cook chicken pieces for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Step 4: Warm Pitas
Warm pitas on the grill or in a pan for 1–2 minutes per side until soft and slightly toasted.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve chicken souvlaki with warm pita, tzatziki, sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Drizzle with extra lemon juice or olive oil if desired.
Notes :
Chicken thighs remain juicier on the grill, but breasts can also be used for a leaner option.
Marinate longer for deeper flavor—overnight if possible.
You can also bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Tips:
Use metal skewers for grilling to skip soaking and get better heat transfer.
Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and will taste even better chilled.
For easy wraps, slice grilled chicken into strips and wrap in pita with tzatziki and veggies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the yogurt in tzatziki with a dairy-free coconut or almond-based yogurt.
Q: Can I cook the chicken without skewers?
A: Definitely—just sauté the marinated chicken pieces in a hot pan or bake them.
Q: What other toppings can I add?
A: Feta cheese, olives, arugula, and pickled red onions are great additions.
Q: How long does tzatziki last?
A: It lasts up to 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 460–500
Protein 35–40g
Fat 20–22g
Carbohydrates 30
–35g
Fiber 3–4g
Sugars 4g
Sodium ~500 mg