Go Back Email Link

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Homemade Tzatziki

After years of testing (and some hilarious failures), I've perfected this authentic Greek street food recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs and creamy homemade tzatziki wrapped in warm pita.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Marinating Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 30 minutes
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: Greek chicken souvlaki, Mediterranean grilled chicken, tzatziki recipe
Servings: 5 Servings

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 5 garlic cloves smashed with sea salt
  • ⅓ cup Kalamata olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tbsp dried
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup Metaxa brandy or dry white wine
  • Zest + juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds

For Serving:

  • 4-6 fresh pitas
  • 1 batch Tzatziki Sauce
  • Quick-pickled red onions
  • Sliced heirloom tomatoes
  • Persian cucumbers
  • Oil-cured olives
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh dill and mint

Instructions

Make the Marinade:

  • In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients except chicken. Whisk vigorously until emulsified.

Marinate Chicken:

  • Add chicken thighs to marinade, ensuring full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred).

Prep Grill:

  • Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium-high (400°F). Create two cooking zones if possible.

Skewer Chicken:

  • Thread marinated chicken onto metal skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces. Reserve marinade.

Grill:

  • Cook over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade only in the first 2 minutes. Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.

Rest & Prep:

  • Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Meanwhile, warm pitas on grill and prep all toppings.

Assemble:

  • Spread tzatziki on pitas, add chicken (removed from skewers), and top with desired fixings.

Notes

✔ Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, add spent lemon halves to the marinade
✔ Shortcut: Marinate at room temp for 1 hour if pressed for time
✔ Leftovers: Makes incredible next-day gyro bowls
✔ Alternative Cooking: Can be made under broiler or in grill pan
Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 32g