Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is one of the most beloved dishes in Greek cuisine, known for its juicy marinated chicken, smoky grilled flavor, and refreshing creamy sauce. Tender chicken pieces are soaked in a vibrant mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled on skewers until perfectly charred and flavorful. Paired with cool homemade tzatziki sauce, this Mediterranean classic delivers the perfect balance of freshness, richness, and savory taste.This dish is popular because it is both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce:
The marinade infuses the chicken with bright Greek flavors while keeping it juicy and tender during cooking. The creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs adds a refreshing contrast that complements the smoky grilled chicken beautifully.Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce can be served with pita bread, rice, salads, or roasted vegetables. It is a healthy, protein-packed Mediterranean meal that feels both comforting and refreshing.
History:
Souvlaki is one of Greece’s oldest and most iconic street foods, dating back thousands of years to ancient Greece where small pieces of meat were cooked on skewers over open flames. The word “souvlaki” translates to “little skewer” in Greek.Traditionally, souvlaki was served as an affordable and flavorful meal enjoyed by workers and travelers. Over time, it became a staple of Greek cuisine and is now found in tavernas and restaurants throughout Greece and around the world.Tzatziki sauce also has deep Mediterranean roots and is traditionally made using strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Combined with grilled souvlaki, it creates one of the most recognizable and beloved Greek flavor pairings.
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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce – Authentic Greek Grilled
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers evenly.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked and lightly charred.
- Serve hot with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, salad, or rice.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice gives authentic Greek taste.
- Drain cucumber well for thick tzatziki sauce.
- Marinating overnight improves flavor significantly.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling.
- Greek yogurt creates creamier tzatziki.
- Charcoal grilling adds smoky depth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Tips for Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce:
- Cut chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for richer tzatziki.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy.
- Chill tzatziki before serving for better flavor.
- Brush skewers lightly with olive oil while grilling.
- Add fresh mint to tzatziki for extra freshness.
- Serve with lemon rice for a complete Greek meal.
- Rest the chicken briefly before serving.
FAQs for Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce:
Q: What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish made with marinated chicken grilled on skewers.
Q: Can I cook souvlaki without a grill?
Yes. Use a grill pan, skillet, oven broiler, or air fryer.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Q: Can I make tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes. Tzatziki tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: What should I serve with chicken souvlaki?
Pita bread, Greek salad, rice, roasted potatoes, or vegetables pair perfectly.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
Yes. It is high in protein and uses healthy Mediterranean ingredients.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months before cooking.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade tzatziki has fresher flavor.
Conclusion:
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is a timeless Greek favorite that combines juicy grilled chicken with refreshing creamy sauce and bold Mediterranean flavors. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or healthy meal prep. With its smoky char, tangy marinade, and cooling tzatziki, every bite brings the authentic taste of Greece to your table.