Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Smoky, Zesty & Simply Addictive

This chicken souvlaki recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a feast that is shatteringly crisp yet tender. It’s the perfect solution when you crave bold Mediterranean flavors without the hassle, delivering a zesty, smoky kick that will become your absolute weeknight obsession.

Why This Recipe is a Total Win

• Flavor That Pops: The combination of dried oregano and fresh lemon creates a marinade that penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is vibrant and never boring.
• Weeknight Speed: Because we cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, it grills up in minutes, making this perfectly suitable for those frantic evenings when you need dinner now.
• Texture Contrast: Pairing the hot, charred exterior of the chicken with the cool, creamy bite of homemade mint cucumber tzatziki creates a sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Creating the Perfect Spread

I love building a “grazing table” feel for dinner because it makes even a Tuesday feel special. Since we are embracing those fresh Mediterranean vibes, you absolutely have to pair these skewers with the Rustic Mediterranean Vegetable & Feta Salad. It’s the classic partner that adds a satisfying crunch.

If you are looking for a protein-packed starter to keep everyone happy while the grill heats up, my Ultimate Deviled Eggs are a creamy dream. And if this easy souvlaki inspired chicken has you craving more spice-forward bowls later in the week, bookmark my Aromatic Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Bowls for your next meal prep!

How to Nail These Skewers

Start by whisking together that liquid gold—olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Toss your chicken cubes in and let them soak up the goodness. I usually do this first thing in the afternoon so they are ready to go by dinner.

While the magic happens in the fridge, grate your cucumber for the tzatziki. Pro tip: Squeeze that cucumber dry like you mean it! It keeps your sauce rich and thick rather than watery.

Thread the chicken onto your skewers. If you are using wood, don’t forget the soak! Grill them over medium-high heat until you see those beautiful char marks and the meat is cooked through but still juicy.

Mollie’s Kitchen Tips

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Whether you are grilling outdoors or using a grill pan inside, give the skewers space. This ensures they sear rather than steam, giving you that irresistible greek lemon herb chicken skewers texture.
• The Lemon Squeeze: I always save a tiny wedge of fresh lemon to squeeze over the finished dish right before serving. It wakes up all the flavors!
• Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before. The acid in the lemon juice will tenderize the meat beautifully, making it even more succulent.

Common Questions

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! If the weather isn’t cooperating, place your skewers on a rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can pop on the broiler for the last 2 minutes to get that golden color.

How long does the tzatziki last?

The homemade mint cucumber tzatziki actually tastes better the next day! It stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s fantastic as a dip for veggies or a spread for sandwiches.

Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki Inspired) with Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki

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Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend with a hint of smokiness, then grilled to perfection. Served alongside a refreshing, creamy Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki, this dish is a lighter, yet deeply flavorful, take on a beloved classic. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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For the Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers:

• 1 pound 453.6g skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (40ml extra virgin olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (20ml fresh lemon juice)
• 1 large clove garlic (approx. 5g, minced)
• ⅔ teaspoon approx. 0.7g dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon approx. 0.6g smoked paprika
• ⅓ teaspoon approx. 2g salt
• 4-8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, see instructions for soaking)

For the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki:

• ½ cup 128g plain Greek-style yogurt, 2% fat recommended
• ⅓ medium cucumber (approx. 80g after peeling, seeding, and grating, finely grated)
• 1 teaspoon approx. 1g fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 ⅓ teaspoons approx. 6.6ml white vinegar
• 1 small clove garlic (approx. 3g, minced)
• 1 pinch of salt (approx. 0.3g, or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (for marinade), dried oregano, smoked paprika, and ⅓ teaspoon of salt.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If using a bag, expel excess air and seal it. If using a bowl, cover it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to permeate the chicken.
3. Craft the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki. In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the cucumber if it appears very watery), finely chopped fresh mint, white vinegar, minced garlic (for tzatziki), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well blended. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to meld.
4. Ready the Skewers and Grill: If using wooden skewers, submerge them in cold water for at least 20-30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates if prone to sticking.
5. Assemble the Skewers: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the prepared skewers, distributing the chicken evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer if using 4 main skewers. Dispose of any remaining marinade.
6. Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled chicken skewers onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally. The chicken should be nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time will be around 12-16 minutes.
7. Serve and Savor: Arrange the freshly grilled Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers on plates. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of the chilled Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki alongside. These skewers are excellent on their own or can be served with a side of quinoa, a fresh Greek salad, or warm pita bread.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 4 servings): Calories: 240 kcal | Total Fat: 12.5 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g (estimated)) | Sodium: 225 mg (primarily from added salt) | Total Carbs: 2.7 g (Fiber: 0.3 g, Sugars: 1.4 g) | Protein: 29.6 g

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Nutrition

• Calories: 240

I hope these skewers bring a little sunshine to your table! There is something so comforting about a meal that feels fresh and light but leaves you feeling totally satisfied. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it!

Disclaimer: I’m just a mom and food lover sharing what makes my family happy, not a nutritionist. Always listen to your own body and chat with your doctor if you are making big dietary changes!