Name: Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ - 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (or about 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1 ½ inch wide strips); ¼ cup olive oil; Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 3-4 tablespoons); 4 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Mediterranean or Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced); ½ teaspoon salt (for cucumber); 2 cups cold plain Greek yogurt; 4 teaspoons minced garlic; ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill (or frozen; may substitute 2 tablespoons dried dill); 1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

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If you’re craving a dish that sings with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is your go-to. Juicy chicken tenderloins marinated in zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, grilled to perfection, and paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce packed with fresh cucumber and dill—this recipe brings together simplicity and authenticity in a way that makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You'll Need

Five skewers of grilled chicken pieces with char marks and a light golden color are laid out horizontally in a round black pan placed on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces show some herbs and pepper seasoning on them. On the left side of the pan, there is a white bowl filled with white yogurt sauce topped with green herbs. A small sprig of green herb lies beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe lies in its handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the olive oil that keeps the chicken tender, the lemon juice that brightens every bite, or the dill that gives the sauce its refreshing aroma.

Chicken tenderloins (1 ½ - 2 pounds): Choose fresh, quality chicken for the best juicy texture and quick even cooking on the grill.

Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade flavors deeply into the chicken.
Lemon juice (from 2 medium lemons): Offers a tangy brightness that balances the marinade’s garlic and seasoning.
Minced garlic (4 teaspoons): Provides that unmistakable savory kick essential for Greek-inspired dishes.

Mediterranean or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings fragrant herbs that transport the dish straight to sunny shores.
Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Simple seasoning highlights the natural flavors perfectly.
Medium cucumber (peeled and sliced): Adds crunch and cool freshness to the tzatziki sauce.

Cold plain Greek yogurt (2 cups): The creamy base of the sauce, providing a tangy, thick texture.
Chopped dill (⅓ cup fresh or frozen): Offers that signature herbaceous aroma that makes tzatziki so special.
Additional lemon juice for sauce (1 ½ tablespoons): Lends a final bright note, balancing the creaminess of the yogurt.

Extra salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (⅛ teaspoon) for the sauce: Carefully adjusted to enhance the flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, your chosen seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture will infuse the chicken with bold, fresh Mediterranean flavors that are essential for this recipe’s character. Transfer the marinade to a resealable bag, add your chicken tenderloins, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This resting time allows every bite of chicken to soak up the brightness and nuance of the marinade.

Step 2: Prep the Cucumber for Tzatziki Sauce

The cucumber is key to a great tzatziki. Peel and slice it, then sprinkle the slices generously with salt and lay them on a paper towel. Let them sit for about five minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, wrap the cucumber slices tightly in paper towels and squeeze out every bit of liquid you can. This step ensures your sauce stays creamy rather than watery.

Step 3: Blend the Tzatziki Sauce

Place the drained cucumber slices into a blender or food processor, then add cold Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with little bursts of fresh green from the dill. Chill your tzatziki sauce until you’re ready to serve to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki

Once marinated, thread the chicken strips onto skewers, discard any leftover marinade, and preheat your grill. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through and has those lovely grill marks that promise smoky flavor. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped oregano on top as a finishing touch to enhance the authentic taste.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Six grilled chicken skewers with golden and slightly charred skin are arranged side by side on a round white plate. The chicken pieces show grill marks and some specks of black pepper seasoning. To the left, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with white sauce topped with a small green herb sprig, and a silver spoon sticking out. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and the image is softly lit to highlight the textures of the chicken and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe, simple garnishes are best. Fresh oregano or extra dill not only add an herbal pop of color but beautifully complement the existing flavors. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add even more brightness if they please.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside traditional Greek sides like warm pita bread for scooping up every last bit of tzatziki, or a fresh Greek salad full of tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs also pair wonderfully, rounding out the meal with hearty, comforting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken souvlaki on a platter with small bowls of tzatziki, warm pita, and an assortment of fresh veggies for a DIY souvlaki platter. It's perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends, letting everyone build their perfect bite. Alternatively, skewers can be chopped and tossed into a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl, drizzled generously with the tzatziki sauce for a vibrant lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken keeps well for up to three days, while the tzatziki remains fresh for about two days. Keeping them separate ensures the chicken doesn't get soggy and the sauce stays perfectly creamy.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken can be frozen if needed, freezing the tzatziki sauce is not recommended because the texture of yogurt changes after thawing. For best results, freeze only the cooked chicken strips wrapped well in freezer-safe packaging for up to three months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently on a grill pan or stovetop over low heat to maintain juiciness without drying out. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken tough. Add fresh tzatziki sauce on the side once the chicken is warm, preserving that wonderfully cool contrast with your hot souvlaki.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! You can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 ½ inch wide strips as a great substitute for tenderloins. Just be mindful to not overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster.

Do I have to use fresh dill in the tzatziki sauce?

Fresh dill is ideal because it gives the best flavor and aroma, but frozen dill works well too. If you don’t have either, dried dill is a fine alternative—just reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, using a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on the stove top is a fantastic option. They can produce a nice sear and those coveted grill marks too.

How long do I marinate the chicken for this recipe?

The chicken benefits from at least 30 minutes of marinating, which allows the lemon and garlic to penetrate. You can marinate for up to an hour, but avoid longer than that to prevent the lemon juice from “cooking” the chicken and changing its texture.

What can I serve if I want a vegetarian meal with similar flavors?

Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms marinated with the same lemon, garlic, and herb blend work beautifully. Serve them with the tzatziki sauce for a fresh, light vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Making this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is like inviting a little bit of the Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen. It’s simple, fresh, and utterly delicious—perfect for weeknight meals or when you want to impress friends with authentic flavors. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes, guaranteed to bring smiles to any table!

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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need