Chicken Souvlaki With Tzatziki Sauce Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Skewers With Cool Cucumber Dip

This recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your table with tender, marinated chicken skewers and a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a perfectly balanced dish.

Grilled to juicy perfection, the chicken pairs beautifully with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Simple ingredients deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Tender chicken, bright herbs, and creamy tzatziki combine for authentic Mediterranean flavors at home.

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The chicken is the star here. Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier than breasts on the grill. Look for air-chilled, free-range at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for best texture. The extra-virgin olive oil should be robust—California Olive Ranch or a good imported brand. Fresh oregano is ideal, but dried Mediterranean oregano (found at Penzeys) works perfectly in a pinch.

No Greek yogurt? Full-fat labneh (drained yogurt) adds even more richness, or strain regular yogurt overnight. English cucumbers have fewer seeds—if using regular, seed and salt them first to avoid watery tzatziki. Fresh herbs can be swapped: parsley instead of dill, or basil instead of mint. Wooden skewers must be soaked—metal skewers work too if you prefer.

Marinated chicken keeps 2 days in the fridge (longer and the lemon can start “cooking” it). Tzatziki stays fresh for 4-5 days—stir before serving as it may separate. Skewers can be prepped 4 hours ahead and refrigerated until grilling time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Souvlaki With Tzatziki Sauce

Master the technique for perfectly charred skewers and creamy tzatziki with these precise steps.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

In a large bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice, minced 6 cloves garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1.5 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified. The acid in the lemon juice will help tenderize the chicken.

Add the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, well-seasoned skewers.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate the 1 whole English cucumber (peeled and seeded) using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this prevents a watery sauce.

In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber with 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, chopped 0.25 cup fresh dill, and finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves. Stir until well blended. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Soak the 8 pieces wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is lightly charred with distinct grill marks. Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure proper heat circulation.

Step 4: Rest and Serve with Tzatziki

Transfer the grilled skewers to a clean platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.

Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with the prepared tzatziki sauce on the side. The cool, creamy sauce complements the smoky, charred flavors of the chicken perfectly. Garnish with additional fresh dill or mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Health Benefits of These Flavors

Protein Powerhouse

This dish delivers 40+ grams of protein per serving from the chicken thighs alone, supporting muscle repair and growth. The Greek yogurt in tzatziki adds another 20 grams of protein, making this a complete meal for active lifestyles. 💪

Healthy Fats Boost

Extra-virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the yogurt contributes beneficial probiotics for gut health. Together, they create a satisfying dish that keeps you fuller longer without heavy saturated fats.

Vitamin Rich

The cucumber brings vitamin K and hydration, while lemon juice adds a healthy dose of vitamin C. Fresh herbs like dill and mint provide antioxidants and small amounts of iron and calcium.

Low-Carb Friendly

With no added sugars or grains, this meal fits perfectly into low-carb or keto diets. The 1.5 lb chicken and veggie-based sauce keep net carbs under 10 grams per serving, ideal for those watching their intake.

Mediterranean Benefits

This recipe embodies the Mediterranean diet, linked to reduced inflammation and heart health. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs creates a nutritionally balanced dish. 🌿

Hydration Support

The high water content in cucumber and yogurt helps with hydration, while the electrolytes in these ingredients support muscle function. Perfect for hot days or post-workout recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions