Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Salad

Introduction

Are you craving a taste of the Mediterranean but short on time? These Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Salad bring the vibrant flavors of Greece straight to your dinner table in just 30 minutes! This recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breast with a refreshing Greek salad, creamy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread for a complete meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re searching for simple chicken recipes for busy weeknights or planning a summer cookout, these grilled chicken skewers deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The secret lies in the marinade a perfect blend of fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and aromatic oregano that infuses every bite with authentic Greek flavor.

This dish is ideal for anyone looking for healthy dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice taste. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients, it’s a nutritious option that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work as meal prep for the week or as an impressive dish for entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of active cooking time (plus 2 hours marinating), this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.

Healthy and Nutritious: Lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and Greek yogurt make this a protein-packed, wholesome meal.

Authentic Flavors: The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar creates an authentic Greek taste experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these skewers are always a hit.

Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade

For the Tzatziki Sauce

For the Greek Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This aromatic marinade is the foundation of flavor for your chicken souvlaki.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken breast in a separate bowl. Add the grated garlic and 7 tablespoons of the prepared dressing. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, tossing occasionally for even flavor distribution. Reserve the remaining dressing for the salad.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare your tzatziki. Place the cubed cucumbers in a strainer over a bowl, toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and let drain for 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture for a thick, creamy sauce. Pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels, then mix with garlic, Greek yogurt, and dill. Season to taste and refrigerate until serving.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 to 12 skewers, distributing evenly. Discard the used marinade. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook until well browned and the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), about 5 minutes total. Turn frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides. Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after grilling.

Step 6: Prepare the Greek Salad

Whisk olive oil into the reserved chicken marinade. Add tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, olives, feta, and parsley. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Warm the Pitas

Briefly grill the pita bread until warm and slightly charred.

Step 8: Serve

Arrange the chicken skewers on a serving platter alongside the Greek salad, warm pitas, and tzatziki sauce. Guests can remove the chicken from skewers to stuff into pitas with sauce and salad for the ultimate Greek street food experience.

Pro Tips for Perfect Souvlaki

Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces to uniform size (1-inch cubes) to ensure they cook evenly.

Temperature Control: Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken is safe at 165°F, but carryover cooking will bring it there from 155°F.

Prevent Sticking: Oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Make Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Storage and Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken, salad, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken (in the marinade) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Reheating: Reheat chicken skewers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and remain even more juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! Use a grill pan on the stovetop, broil in the oven, or cook in a regular skillet over medium-high heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt or cashew-based yogurt for the tzatziki, and omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.

Can I prep this recipe in advance?
Yes! Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki the night before. Assemble the salad and grill just before serving.

What sides go well with chicken souvlaki?
Beyond the traditional Greek salad, try serving with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, hummus, or lemon potatoes.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Salad prove that healthy dinner ideas can be both quick and incredibly delicious. With tender, flavorful chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki, this complete meal brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is a must-try addition to your dinner rotation. The marinade infuses the chicken with bright, tangy flavors, while the Greek salad and tzatziki provide refreshing contrasts that make every bite exciting.

Ready to transport your taste buds to Greece? Gather your ingredients and fire up that grill your new favorite dinner awaits! Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know how these skewers turned out for you.

Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Salad

Print Recipe

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these tender, marinated Chicken Souvlaki Skewers served alongside a crisp Greek salad, creamy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread. This healthy, protein-packed meal comes together in just 30 minutes of active time and delivers authentic Greek flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

• Author: Alex
• Prep Time: PT2H30M
• Cook Time: PT10M
• Total Time: PT2H40M
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 medium cloves garlic, grated (about 4 teaspoons)

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (for tzatziki)

1/2 teaspoon salt (for cucumber draining)

1 medium clove garlic, grated (about 1 teaspoon, for tzatziki)

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

2 tablespoons olive oil (for salad)

6 small tomatoes, cut into wedges

2 small red onions, sliced thin

1 medium cucumber, seeded and sliced into thin half moons

3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives

6 ounces crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped parsley

6 pitas

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Place chicken cubes in a separate medium bowl. Mix in grated garlic and 7 tablespoons of dressing. Toss chicken to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate to marinate for about 2 hours, tossing occasionally. Set remaining dressing aside for salad.

2. While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce: Place cubed cucumbers in a strainer set over a bowl. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let sit to drain for about 30 minutes. Gently pat cucumbers dry with paper towel, place in small bowl, and mix with garlic, yogurt, and dill. Season to taste with salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Skewer chicken pieces on 8 to 12 skewers. Discard used marinade. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skewers on grill (or cook in batches on grill pan) until well browned and internal temperature registers 155°F (68°C) on an instant-read thermometer, turning evenly to cook on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove chicken to a serving platter and let rest 3 minutes. Meanwhile, briefly grill pitas and keep warm.

4. Just before serving, prepare the salad: Whisk olive oil into reserved chicken marinade. Add tomatoes, onions, cucumber, olives, feta, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve skewers with salad, pita, and tzatziki sauce. Remove chicken from skewers to stuff into pitas with sauce and salad.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.

The chicken can be marinated overnight for even more flavor.

Tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest tzatziki sauce.

Be sure to drain the cucumbers thoroughly for tzatziki to prevent a watery consistency.

The chicken is done when it reaches 155°F; it will reach 165°F (safe temperature) during resting time.