Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe

If you have ever craved a dish that effortlessly combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with juicy, tender meat, then you are in for a treat with this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe. It’s a perfect symphony of marinated, grilled chicken skewers paired with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce and wrapped in soft pita bread. Every bite bursts with freshness and warmth, making it an ideal meal for both weekday dinners and weekend gatherings. This recipe is not only delicious but also approachable, allowing you to bring the spirit of Greece right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to mastering this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe. Each item plays a role in layering the dish’s signature balance of flavors, textures, and aromas.

• Chicken breast (2 lbs): Choose fresh, skinless pieces for tender, juicy souvlaki skewers.
• Wooden skewers: Soaked to prevent burning on the grill and make turning easier.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps marinade permeate the meat.
• Lemon juice (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity that tenderizes and lifts flavors.
• Garlic (3 + 2 cloves, minced): Infuses savory depth and aromatic punch to marinade and sauce.
• Red wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds subtle tanginess to complement the lemon.
• Dried oregano (1 tbsp) and dried thyme (1 tsp): Classic Mediterranean herbs essential for authentic flavor.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Introduces a smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
• Salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp): Season to enhance every ingredient.
• Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base for the cooling tzatziki sauce.
• Cucumber (1, grated): Crisp and refreshing texture after squeezing out the liquid.
• Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Bright herbal notes to elevate the sauce.
• Warm pita bread: Perfect fluffy wrap to hold all delicious fillings together.
• Sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh lettuce: Crunchy, juicy additions to complete the dish.

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the chicken with bright citrus, herbal earthiness, and a touch of smoky spice that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, coating each morsel evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge to soak up all the flavors for at least one hour, though longer is better if you have the time. This slow marinating process ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that grills to perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Pop it into the fridge so it can chill and marry all those fresh, creamy flavors.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to create those beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking. The result is tender, charred, slightly crispy chicken that tastes just like a summer day in Greece.

Step 5: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken finishes cooking, warm your pita bread on the grill or in the oven. The warm, soft pita is essential for wrapping up the grilled chicken and fresh toppings into a handheld delight.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Load your warm pita with grilled chicken, a spoonful of tangy tzatziki, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions. The combination of warm, juicy chicken with cool sauce and crisp veggies is both satisfying and refreshing—truly the heart of this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra dill over the top enhance the aroma and make the dish pop visually. A wedge of lemon on the side invites an additional drizzle of brightness, amplifying the freshness with every bite.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe pairs beautifully with a light Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even a simple tabbouleh. The sides can either mirror the Mediterranean flavors or provide a hearty contrast depending on your mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the souvlaki skewers deconstructed as a platter with separate bowls of grilled chicken, pita triangles, tzatziki, and veggies for a family-style feast. Alternatively, roll everything into a wrap and slice into pinwheel appetizers for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover grilled chicken skewers and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store pita bread separately to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy the flavors fresh and ready to assemble later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimal taste and texture. It’s a lifesaver for quick meals on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken skewers gently on the grill or in a skillet to retain juiciness and grill marks. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Rewarm pita briefly in the oven or on a skillet, and serve with fresh tzatziki straight from the fridge.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe?

Skinless, boneless chicken breast pieces work best because they cook quickly and stay tender when marinated and grilled. You can also use chicken thighs for more juiciness, but breasts give a classic lean taste.

Can I make the marinade and tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared and refrigerated a day ahead to deepen flavors, and the tzatziki sauce can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it chilled and fresh until serving.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki indoors?

Yes, grilling is traditional but you can use a grill pan, broiler, or skillet to cook the skewers indoors. Just keep the heat medium-high to get a nice char and cook through without drying out.

How do I prevent the pita bread from becoming soggy?

Serve pita warm but separately from the chicken and sauce until ready to eat. Wrapping pita bread in foil after warming helps keep it soft without becoming soggy from the fillings.

Is the tzatziki sauce gluten-free and suitable for special diets?

Yes, tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs is naturally gluten-free and typically dairy-friendly if you use lactose-free yogurt. It fits many dietary needs while adding incredible flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe is a joyous celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that are surprisingly simple to make at home. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough for a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself craving these skewers long after the last bite.

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Recipe

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4 from 28 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection on skewers, served with warm pita bread and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Infused with Mediterranean flavors like oregano, thyme, lemon, and garlic, it’s a perfect dish for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade and Skewers

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4–5 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

• Warm pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh lettuce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess liquid squeezed out, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat ensuring it’s properly warmed before cooking to achieve nice grill marks and thorough cooking.
5. Thread the Chicken: Remove the wooden skewers from soaking water and thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, making sure not to crowd them for even cooking.
6. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers onto the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and cook through completely. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken is finishing, warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven until soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping.
8. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers with warm pita bread, fresh sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, crisp lettuce, and a generous dollop of the prepared tzatziki sauce for a delicious and authentic meal.

Notes

• Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Grated cucumber should be well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki.
• Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Fresh dill in tzatziki adds a bright and aromatic touch.
• This recipe is perfect for summer grilling but can also be cooked under a broiler if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek