If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe is a perfect choice. This dish effortlessly combines juicy, marinated chicken grilled to smoky perfection with cool, creamy tzatziki and warm, fluffy pita bread. Each component works together to create a symphony of tastes and textures that are fresh, satisfying, and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply want a delicious homemade meal, this recipe brings the essence of Greek street food right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity here. The ingredients for this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe are straightforward yet essential—they each play a vital role in delivering that authentic, mouthwatering flavor and perfect texture you crave.
- Chicken breast (2 lbs): The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even grilling.
- Wooden skewers (4-5, soaked): Soaking prevents them from burning on the grill and makes handling easier.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while boosting flavor.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon): Provides a bright, tangy punch that wakes up the marinade and tzatziki sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced for the marinade, 2 cloves minced for tzatziki): Adds a fragrant depth that permeates every bite.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle acidity that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Classic Greek herb that infuses the chicken with an earthy, aromatic note.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Complements the oregano for a layered herbal profile.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the components.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base of the tzatziki sauce, offering tang and richness.
- Cucumber (1, grated and squeezed): Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the tzatziki without making it watery.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): A delicate herb that adds a bright, slightly sweet flavor to the tzatziki.
- Warm pita bread: Soft and slightly chewy, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- Sliced tomatoes: Juicy and fresh, they add sweetness and color to your plate.
- Sliced red onions: Offer a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to each bite, balancing the rich chicken.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until it forms a well-blended marinade bursting with bright and herby flavors. This marinade is the key to tender, flavorful chicken, so make sure to stir it well to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly until each piece is coated. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. For even deeper flavor, letting the chicken marinate overnight will make every bite unforgettable. This step helps the meat soak in all those delicious aromatics and become incredibly juicy when grilled.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the refreshing tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (after squeezing out excess liquid), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Refrigerate this sauce until you’re ready to serve — the flavors will marry beautifully, offering a cool and tangy contrast to your grilled chicken.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers carefully to ensure even cooking. Grill the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and beautifully charred around the edges. Your kitchen or backyard will start smelling like a bustling Greek taverna!
Step 5: Warm the Pita Bread
Don’t forget the pita! Warm your pita bread on the grill or in the oven just before serving. This step makes the pita soft and pliable, ready to wrap around the juicy chicken, sauce, and fresh veggies.
Step 6: Plate Your Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe
Now it’s time to assemble. Serve the hot chicken skewers alongside warm pita, sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of your homemade tzatziki. The combination of smoky, tender meat with crisp, fresh toppings and creamy sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish to the next level. Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh dill or oregano over the top for an herbal boost. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright citrus note that guests can squeeze over their chicken as desired. A dusting of paprika on the tzatziki can also add a lovely splash of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
While this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe practically stands on its own, pairing it with Greek-inspired sides makes for a full feast. Consider a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, or some crispy roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano. A light, chilled orzo salad or even grilled vegetables would also complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Create a vibrant mezze platter featuring the chicken souvlaki skewers alongside small bowls of tzatziki, hummus, olives, and tabbouleh. Or lay out the warm pita bread and toppings buffet-style for a make-your-own-souvlaki party at home. Wrapping the grilled chicken and sauce into pita pockets also makes for an easy handheld lunch or picnic option that’s just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe, store the chicken skewers and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to three days without losing its flavor or texture, making a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken skewers (without the tzatziki or pita). Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken souvlaki gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat to regain some of that freshly grilled flavor and avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough. Warm the pita bread separately, and add fresh tzatziki just before serving to keep it cool and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during grilling. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken for?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become, but even a quick 1-hour soak will produce tasty results.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki actually tastes better if made ahead because the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to two days, and be sure to squeeze out excess cucumber liquid to keep it from becoming watery.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking the wooden skewers is really important. It prevents them from catching fire or burning on the grill and helps keep your chicken intact when you flip the skewers. If you forget, you can also use metal skewers as a convenient alternative.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Broiling in the oven is another excellent option. Just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate—simple ingredients transformed into something vibrant, fresh, and irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of Greek charm to your home cooking, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with these flavors as much as I have!
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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce and Pita Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with homemade tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread. This flavorful recipe combines fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic for a refreshing yet savory meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
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.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess liquid removed), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, evenly distributing them for uniform cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even grill marks and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread on the grill or in an oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, slices of tomato, red onions, fresh lettuce, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to deepen.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
