Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Juicy, lemon-and-herb marinated chicken skewers grilled until beautifully charred, served alongside a cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki. This Greek street-food classic is bright, garlicky, and irresistibly fresh—perfect tucked into warm pita bread or served over a simple salad.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Marinate the chicken.
1.In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, half the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.2.Add the cubed chicken breast and toss to coat evenly.3.Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours).TIPFor the most tender chicken, don't marinate longer than 2 hours—the lemon juice will start to break down the meat too much. - prep · ~10 min
Make the tzatziki.
1.Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove all excess water.2.In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, yogurt, remaining minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh dill, and vinegar.3.Stir until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.TIPSqueezing the cucumber is essential—skipping it will make your tzatziki watery and thin. - prep · ~3 min
Thread the chicken onto skewers.
1.Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.2.Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto 4 skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.TIPDon't overcrowd the skewers—the chicken pieces shouldn't touch, or they'll steam instead of char. - grill · ~10 min
Grill the chicken skewers.
1.Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until very hot.2.Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).3.Transfer to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes.TIPResist the urge to move the skewers too soon—let them sear undisturbed for those dark, flavorful grill marks. - grill · ~2 min
Warm the pita bread.
1.Lightly brush the pita bread with 1 tsp olive oil.2.Place on the grill for 30-45 seconds per side, until warmed through and faintly marked.TIPWrap the pita in foil to keep it warm and pliable while you finish the rest. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble and serve immediately.
1.Slide the grilled chicken off the skewers onto a serving platter.2.Serve with the warm pita bread and a generous bowl of chilled tzatziki.3.Squeeze extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 2For the juiciest chicken, thread the pieces with a small gap so heat circulates evenly.
- 3Don't skip squeezing the grated cucumber dry—this is key to a thick, non-watery tzatziki.
- 4Let the grilled chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- 5Make the tzatziki at least 30 minutes ahead to let the flavors meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce olive oil in the marinade to 1 tablespoon and brush pita with a spritz of cooking spray instead of oil to cut calories while keeping flavor.
high proteinHigh-protein
Use Greek yogurt marinade (add 1/4 cup yogurt to the existing marinade) for extra protein and tanginess, and serve with a side of chickpeas.
jainJain
Replace garlic and onion with asafoetida (hing) in the tzatziki and marinade, and use dairy-free yogurt for a Jain-friendly version without root vegetables.
veganVegan
Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan cubes, marinate for 30 minutes, and use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki to make it fully plant-based.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Probiotic-Rich Tzatziki
Greek yogurt and cucumber offer digestive-friendly probiotics and hydration, especially when the cucumber is squeezed dry.
Antioxidant Boost from Oregano
Dried oregano contains potent antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
Heart-Healthy Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, linked to improved cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well—they stay juicier and more forgiving on the grill; adjust cooking time to 5–6 minutes per side.
