Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Tender, juicy chicken skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce made with low-fat Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill.
For 4 servings
Prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Grate the cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. This is key for a thick sauce.
- In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
TIPMaking the tzatziki ahead of time, even a day before, results in a much better flavor.Make the chicken marinade.
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the chicken.
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss until every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
TIPAvoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken texture.Thread the chicken onto skewers.
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning. Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the souvlaki.
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes.
- The chicken is done when it's golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
TIPDon't overcrowd the grill. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken gets a nice char.Rest and serve.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, 2-4 hours is even better.
- 2Don't overcook the chicken breast, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- 3If you don't have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.
- 4The tzatziki sauce tastes even better if made an hour ahead, allowing the flavors to meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
To make this dairy-free, use a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
high proteinHigh protein
Use 0% fat Greek yogurt to increase the protein content and reduce fat in the tzatziki sauce.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, marinate the chicken for just 15 minutes at room temperature. The flavor will be less intense but still delicious.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the amount of garlic in both the marinade and tzatziki to make the flavor milder for children.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Rich in Probiotics
The Greek yogurt in tzatziki is a great source of probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of chicken souvlaki is very healthy. It uses lean chicken breast, is grilled instead of fried, and the tzatziki is made with low-fat Greek yogurt. It's a great source of protein and probiotics.