Chicken Souvlaki Plate
Tender, herb-marinated chicken skewers grilled until juicy and slightly charred. Served as a generous platter with warm pita bread, cool and creamy tzatziki, and a fresh tomato cucumber salad. A sunny Greek taverna meal ready in under an hour, perfect for a summer dinner or weekend gathering.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak wooden skewers.
Place 8 wooden skewers in a shallow dish of water to soak for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- mix
Make the marinade.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. - mix · ~20 min
Marinate the chicken.
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the accompaniments.
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the tzatziki.
1.Grate half a cucumber and squeeze out all excess liquid using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.2.In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber with 1 cup yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.3.Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve. - mix · ~5 min
Make the tomato cucumber salad.
1.Dice 2 tomatoes and half a cucumber into small cubes. Thinly slice a quarter of a red onion.2.Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. - prep · ~3 min
Skewer the marinated chicken.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, dividing them evenly. Discard any leftover marinade.
- grill · ~12 min
Grill the chicken skewers.
1.Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush with 1 tsp olive oil.2.Grill the skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).TIPDon't overcrowd the skewers — a little space between pieces helps the chicken char rather than steam. - grill · ~1 min
Warm the pita bread.
During the last minute of grilling, place the pita bread directly on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until warm and lightly marked.
- assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the souvlaki plates.
1.Place one warm pita on each plate.2.Add 2 chicken skewers alongside, remove the meat from the skewers if preferred.3.Spoon a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side.4.Add a scoop of the fresh tomato cucumber salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2Squeeze grated cucumber thoroughly in a towel to avoid watery tzatziki.
- 3Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes; longer (up to 2 hours) gives deeper flavor.
- 4Grill skewers over medium-high heat and don't move them too early for good char marks.
- 5Warm pita on the grill for 30 seconds per side — it becomes pliable and slightly smoky.
- 6Let grilled chicken rest 2 minutes off heat before serving to keep juices locked in.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lamb souvlaki
Substitute cubed lamb leg for the chicken; marinate for at least 2 hours. Lamb's richer flavor pairs beautifully with the same oregano-lemon-garlic profile — a classic Greek taverna choice.
vegetarian souvlakiVegetarian souvlaki
Replace chicken with halloumi cheese cubes or thick slices of portobello mushroom. Halloumi grills without falling apart and gets deliciously salty; portobellos absorb the marinade well. Perfect for a meatless main.
low carbLow-carb
Skip the pita and serve the chicken skewers over a bed of crisp romaine or mixed greens instead. The tzatziki and salad still deliver all the flavor with fewer carbs.
spicy souvlakiSpicy souvlaki
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a minced small red chili to the marinade for a subtle heat that complements the garlic and oregano without overpowering.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, making this dish a filling yet balanced meal.
Probiotic-Rich Tzatziki
Greek yogurt is naturally high in probiotics that support gut health, and it adds calcium and protein with far less sugar than many other condiments.
Hydrating Vegetables
The fresh cucumber and tomato salad is loaded with water, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene, supporting skin health and hydration.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil, used in the marinade and salad, is rich in monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely — boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier even if slightly overcooked. Adjust grilling time a minute or two longer.
