Grilled Greek skewers in warm pita
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
32 min
Servings
4
4 pita wraps
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Grilled Greek skewers in warm pita
★4.6(19)
Lemon-oregano marinated chicken grilled on skewers and served in warm pita with cool tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onion. A Greek street food classic.
20m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
32m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Souvlaki is Greek street food at its best — small cubes of marinated meat, grilled until charred, and tucked into warm pita with a generous dollop of cool, garlicky tzatziki. It is simple, satisfying, and somehow manages to taste like summer even in the middle of winter.
The marinade is quintessentially Greek: olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just time-tested ingredients that make chicken taste incredible. The contrast between the hot, smoky chicken and the cold, creamy tzatziki is what makes every bite sing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken cubes in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- 2
Make tzatziki: mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and salt. Refrigerate until serving.
- 3
Thread chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high.
- 4
Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F).
- 5
Warm pita breads on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
- 6
Slide chicken off skewers into warm pita. Top with tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Greek yogurtSour cream
For the tzatziki — sour cream is tangier but works as a substitute.
Pita breadNaan or flatbread
Any soft flatbread works for wrapping.
Dried oreganoZa'atar
Adds a more Middle Eastern flavor with thyme, sumac, and sesame.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Squeeze the grated cucumber very dry for tzatziki — excess water makes the sauce runny.
Metal skewers conduct heat and cook the chicken from the inside, reducing overall cooking time.
Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Make the tzatziki at least 30 minutes ahead so the flavors meld.
Storage
Store grilled chicken and tzatziki separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm chicken in a skillet or microwave. Tzatziki is meant to be served cold.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 loaded pita) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein36g
Carbohydrates32g
Fat16g
Fiber2g
Sugar4g
Sodium560mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between souvlaki and gyro?
- Souvlaki is marinated meat cubes on skewers. Gyro is meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved thin. Different preparations, equally delicious.
- Can I use chicken breast?
- Yes, but cubed thighs stay juicier on the grill.
- Can I broil instead of grilling?
- Yes, broil on high for 5-6 minutes per side on a sheet pan.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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