Chicken

Chicken Souvlaki

Name: Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (675g) chicken breast and thighs, boneless; 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon (15g) dried oregano; 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika; 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt; 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper; 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup (120g) diced cucumber; 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

By Una Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Chicken

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Chicken Souvlaki at a Greek restaurant. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy exterior, and tangy tzatziki sauce was love at first bite. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally perfected my Chicken Souvlaki recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb keto meal that's easy to make and packed with flavor. The best part? It's made with real food ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, or as part of a larger Greek-inspired meal. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken breast and thighs, which provides a great balance of flavor and texture. We'll also be making our own tzatziki sauce from scratch, which is a game-changer. Trust me, once you try homemade tzatziki, you'll never go back to store-bought again.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started and make some delicious Chicken Souvlaki!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a low-carb keto meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior
The tzatziki sauce is homemade and adds a nice cool and creamy element to the dish
It's a great option for meal prep and can be made ahead of time
It's a versatile recipe that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal
It's a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Souvlaki is to cook the chicken to the right temperature, while also achieving a crispy exterior. This is where the magic happens, and it's all about the technique. By using a combination of high heat and a small amount of oil, we can achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.

Another important factor is the marinade. By marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, we can add depth and complexity to the dish. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.

Finally, the tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken. The cool and creamy sauce helps to balance out the richness of the dish, and the cucumber and garlic add a nice freshness and depth of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Chicken Souvlaki, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. We'll be using a combination of chicken breast and thighs, which provides a great balance of flavor and texture. We'll also be making our own tzatziki sauce from scratch, which requires a few simple ingredients like cucumber, garlic, and Greek yogurt.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe:

1 1/2 pounds (675g) chicken breast and thighs, bonelessI like to use a combination of chicken breast and thighs for this recipe, as it provides a great balance of flavor and texture. You can also use just chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120ml) olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for this recipe, as it has a high smoke point and a rich, fruity flavor. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use 1 clove if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 tablespoon (15g) dried oreganoDried oregano is a classic herb in Greek cuisine, and it adds a nice earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer.
1 teaspoon (5g) paprikaPaprika is a mild, sweet spice that adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
1/2 teaspoon (2g) saltSalt is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also use kosher salt or sea salt if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a classic seasoning that adds a nice kick to the dish. You can also use white pepper or green pepper if you prefer.
1 cup (240g) Greek yogurtGreek yogurt is a key ingredient in the tzatziki sauce, and it adds a nice cool and creamy element to the dish. You can also use regular yogurt or sour cream if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120g) diced cucumberCucumber is a key ingredient in the tzatziki sauce, and it adds a nice freshness and crunch to the dish. You can also use 1/4 cup if you prefer a thicker sauce.
2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juiceLemon juice is a key ingredient in the tzatziki sauce, and it adds a nice brightness and acidity to the dish. You can also use lime juice or vinegar if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a nice garnish for this dish, and it adds a nice freshness and flavor to the sauce. You can also use dill or basil if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardKnifeInstant-read thermometerSkillet or grill pan

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
4
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
6
Serve the chicken with the tzatziki sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
7
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken in a pita bread with tomato, onion, and lettuce.
8
You can also add some crumbled feta cheese to the tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
9
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add some grated cucumber or a little bit of sour cream.
10
To make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
11
To reheat the chicken, you can grill or pan-fry it until warmed through, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
12
To make the dish more low-carb, you can serve the chicken without the pita bread and instead use a low-carb wrap or a bed of greens.
13
You can also add some sliced avocado or a fried egg to the dish for extra creaminess and protein.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Use a high-quality Greek yogurt for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the tzatziki sauce, as it can become too thick and chunky.
Add some grated garlic or lemon zest to the tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, to add visual appeal to the dish.
Consider using a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for the best sear and flavor.
Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken into thin strips for the best texture and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using enough garlic or lemon juice in the marinade, which can result in a bland flavor.
Not whisking the tzatziki sauce enough, which can leave it chunky and uneven.
Not letting the chicken rest long enough, which can result in a lack of juiciness and flavor.
Not using a high-quality Greek yogurt, which can affect the texture and flavor of the tzatziki sauce.
Not adding enough salt and pepper to the dish, which can result in a bland flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onion or bell pepper to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Use a different type of protein, such as pork or lamb, for a unique twist.
Add some spice to the dish, such as red pepper flakes or hot sauce, for extra heat.
Use a different type of yogurt, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, for a dairy-free option.
Add some sliced olives or artichoke hearts to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. You can also serve it in a pita bread with tomato, onion, and lettuce, or as a wrap with a low-carb tortilla.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Serve with a side of roasted vegetablesServe in a pita bread with tomato, onion, and lettuceServe as a wrap with a low-carb tortillaServe with a side of saladServe with a side of grilled or roasted potatoesServe with a side of steamed broccoli

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken Souvlaki can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To store in the refrigerator, place the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

When reheating the chicken, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop or grill until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of chicken to use for Chicken Souvlaki?

The best type of chicken to use for Chicken Souvlaki is boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. You can also use a combination of both for a more flavorful and tender dish.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken for?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

What is the best type of yogurt to use for the tzatziki sauce?

The best type of yogurt to use for the tzatziki sauce is Greek yogurt. It has a thick and creamy texture that works well with the cucumber and garlic.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should be at least 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

Some variations you can make to the recipe include adding diced onion or bell pepper to the marinade, using different types of cheese, or adding some chopped fresh herbs to the tzatziki sauce.

Can I make the dish low-carb?

Yes, you can make the dish low-carb by serving the chicken without the pita bread and instead using a low-carb wrap or a bed of greens. You can also add some sliced avocado or a fried egg to the dish for extra creaminess and protein.

The Full Recipe

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