Name: Chicken Souvlaki Pita with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: For the Chicken Souvlaki:; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Tzatziki Sauce:; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Salt and pepper to taste; To Serve:; 4 pita breads; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber

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Juicy, marinated chicken souvlaki wrapped in warm pita and topped with homemade tzatziki and crisp vegetables—a classic Greek street-food-style meal that’s flavorful, balanced, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mediterranean-inspired: Bright herb and citrus flavors in every bite.
Balanced and fresh: Protein-packed chicken paired with creamy tzatziki and crunchy veggies.
Hands-on meal: Fun to assemble and customizable for individual preferences.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken souvlaki

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Dried oregano
Salt & pepper
Wooden or metal skewers

For the tzatziki

Greek yogurt
Cucumber, grated and drained
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

To assemble

Pita breads (traditional or pocket-style)
Fresh vegetables: sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, shredded lettuce or mixed greens
Optional: crumbled feta cheese, hot sauce, olives

directions

Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes—or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
Prepare tzatziki sauce
- Place grated cucumber in a paper towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out excess liquid.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
Cook the souvlaki
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, turning until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
- Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble pita wraps
- Warm pitas briefly on grill or in toaster.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki down the center of each pita.
- Add chicken skewers (remove chicken from sticks if preferred), then top with tomato, cucumber, onion, and greens.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and olives, if using.
Serve
- Fold or roll pitas and serve immediately, with extra tzatziki or hot sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings (4 pita wraps).
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus up to 2 hours to marinate)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes (or up to 2½ hours including marinade)

Variations

Chicken thigh option: Swap breasts for thighs for juicier texture.
Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to marinade and tzatziki.
Herb variation: Use fresh oregano or parsley instead of dill.
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or portobello mushrooms.
Grain bowl style: Skip the pita—assemble over warm rice or quinoa for a souvlaki bowl.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; assemble just before eating.
Reheating: Warm chicken in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave until hot.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without veggies or tzatziki) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and assemble.

FAQs

Can I marinate chicken overnight?

Yes—marinating for up to 8 hours in the fridge enhances flavor without affecting texture.

Do I need to skewer the chicken?

No—you can grill bite-sized pieces directly on the pan or use a grill basket.

How do I keep tzatziki from being watery?

Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber before mixing and use thick Greek yogurt.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes—just choose a high-quality version and adjust garlic or lemon to taste.

Which pita is best?

Warm, pliable pita bread works well; pocket-style holds ingredients neatly.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pita or serve the chicken over greens instead for a grain-free option.

What side dishes pair well?

Serve with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, roasted vegetables, or grilled halloumi.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Replace yogurt with a coconut-based strainable yogurt and omit feta.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes—evenly season it and shape small patties or meatballs to grill, then serve in pita.

How do I ensure chicken is juicy?

Don’t overcook. Remove from heat when internal temperature reaches 165 °F and let rest briefly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Souvlaki Pita with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables recipe delivers Mediterranean flair in a handheld wrap—combining tender marinated chicken, tangy homemade tzatziki, and crunchy fresh veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or leisurely lunches.

Chicken Souvlaki Pita with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables

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Chicken Souvlaki Pita with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables is a classic Greek-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, tangy tzatziki sauce, and crisp vegetables all wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a flavorful, well-balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)
Yield: 4 pitas 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
While chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki by mixing yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Warm pita bread on the grill or in a pan.
Assemble pitas by spreading tzatziki on each bread, adding grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber.
Fold and serve immediately.