If you have ever wanted to create a vibrant and satisfying Greek meal that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection are paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and soft, warm pita bread. It’s a feast of flavors and textures that comes together effortlessly yet tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re having friends over or craving a flavorful dinner, this dish delivers an authentic taste of the Mediterranean you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe are simple but integral, each adding a layer of flavor or texture that gives the dish its character. From the zesty lemon in the marinade to the fresh dill in the tzatziki, these basics are easy to find yet powerful in impact.
- Chicken breast: Cut into bite-size pieces to ensure quick, even grilling and juicy bites.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked in water to prevent burning and perfect for grilling the chicken.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade and tzatziki with smoothness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens both the marinade and the tzatziki with its fresh, tangy zing.
- Garlic (minced): Provides savory depth and a slight punch in both the marinade and sauce.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity that elevates the marinade.
- Dried oregano, thyme, paprika: Classic Mediterranean herbs and spices give the chicken its signature flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout to balance all other flavors.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base for tzatziki, adding coolness and a tangy richness.
- Cucumber (grated and drained): Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the tzatziki without watering it down.
- Fresh dill: Provides a fragrant herbal note that is essential in authentic tzatziki.
- Warm pita bread: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping around the chicken and toppings.
- Sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce: Fresh veggies for added color, crunch, and brightness on the plate.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend of ingredients will soak into the chicken and transform it with bright, herbal, and slightly smoky notes. The key here is to balance acidity and aromatics to maximize flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure every piece is coated beautifully. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour; overnight is even better. Marinating not only tenderizes the chicken but ensures every skewer is bursting with that signature Mediterranean taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While your chicken marinates, mix Greek yogurt alongside grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess liquid), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep this cool in the fridge until serving—tzatziki is what makes this dish feel fresh and creamy, balancing the grilled, smoky chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden skewers, then place them on the grill. The goal is to get a nice char and grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy inside, so cook about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Step 5: Warm the Pita
While your chicken cooks, warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven until soft and slightly toasted. Warm pita is essential for wrapping up all those wonderful components in a handheld meal that’s totally satisfying.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, assemble your chicken souvlaki with freshly warmed pita, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce. Don’t forget a generous dollop of your homemade tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping. The combination of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh is exactly why this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your serving plate with thin lemon wedges or extra sprigs of fresh dill. You can also add a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish to enhance the flavors and make everything pop visually and on the palate.
Side Dishes
The best partners for this recipe are Greek salad, crispy roasted potatoes, or a fresh tabbouleh. These side dishes not only complement the flavors but also add variety in texture and color to your meal, making it feel like a full celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe into a mezze platter by arranging the grilled chicken, tzatziki, pita, and fresh vegetables separately on a large board. This way, your guests can build their own wraps and enjoy the interactive experience of sharing a meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover grilled chicken, tzatziki, and pita should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and keeps the flavors fresh when you are ready to enjoy the next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated uncooked chicken or cooked grilled chicken skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or grilling again.
Reheating
Reheat grilled chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or wrapped in foil in the oven to retain juiciness. Warm the pita separately in a toaster or oven. Avoid microwaving tzatziki; instead, keep it chilled until serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken for this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe?
Absolutely! Dark meat such as thighs will yield juicier and more flavorful results, though cooking times may need slight adjustments to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill, making your cooking experience safer and easier.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely, tzatziki actually benefits from sitting for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld better. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken under a broiler or in a grill pan on your stovetop. Just watch closely and turn the skewers often to get that nice char without overcooking.
How long can leftovers be kept?
Stored properly, leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to reheat the chicken thoroughly before eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of juicy grilled chicken, refreshing tzatziki, and warm pita that makes this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe a standout for any occasion. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to experience these bold Mediterranean flavors in your own kitchen—it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite for your family and friends!
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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4-5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers and served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This recipe combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors using olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- 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 to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to let the flavors infuse and tenderize the chicken.
- 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 fresh chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, which is ideal for quickly cooking the chicken pieces while developing nice grill marks.
- Thread the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks through and attains a beautiful charred exterior.
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven to make it soft and pliable.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve the souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, fresh lettuce, and generous dollops of prepared tzatziki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water before threading the chicken prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
- Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the grated cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Adjust seasoning in the tzatziki to your taste; some prefer more lemon or garlic.
