I used to think “healthy” meant bland chicken and a sad salad. Then I found the Mediterranean diet and never looked back. Bright lemon. Fragrant oregano. Extra virgin olive oil. This Mediterranean chicken souvlaki brings it all together with juicy skewers, cool tzatziki, and warm whole-wheat pitas. It’s the kind of meal that makes Tuesday night feel like a mini vacation.
We keep it simple and smart. Lean protein, tons of fresh herbs, and healthy fats. The flavors sing, and cleanup is easy. If you’ve been hunting for heart-healthy dinner ideas, this one ticks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean chicken souvlaki
- Ready for the table in about 30 minutes of active time.
- Packed with fresh herbs, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Uses whole-food ingredients you can find anywhere.
- Family-friendly and perfect for easy Mediterranean meals.
- High-protein, high-fiber, and glow-up delicious.
The Building Blocks of Mediterranean Flavor
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is the backbone of healthy Greek recipes. It adds a fruity, peppery finish and helps the spices bloom. It’s a heart-smart fat that makes every bite feel luxurious.
Lemon + Oregano
This classic combo is why Greek lemon oregano chicken skewers are so beloved. Lemon brings brightness. Oregano adds that unmistakable “Greek taverna” aroma. Together they make chicken taste like sunshine.
Whole-Wheat Pitas + Crunchy Veg
Whole-wheat pitas make whole-wheat pita chicken souvlaki wraps both satisfying and fiber-rich. Add tomato, cucumber, and onion for crunch and color. That fresh bite balances the rich, garlicky tzatziki.
Cool Tzatziki
Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon. It’s creamy without heavy cream. It ties the wrap together and completes Mediterranean chicken souvlaki with tzatziki perfection.
A quick note before you dive in: here’s the complete, printable recipe my family loves.
Street-Style Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Bright Tzatziki
Ingredients
A) Citrus-Herb Souvlaki Marinade
- 6 garlic cloves grated to a paste
- Zest of 1 lemon + 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp dry white wine
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano preferably Greek
- 1 tsp dried rosemary lightly crushed
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/4 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt or a rounded 1/8 tsp Morton
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion finely grated (with juices)
- 2 bay leaves crumpled
B) Chicken
- 2 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast trimmed and cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 8 metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked 30–45 minutes
C) Light, No-Added-Sugar Tzatziki
- 1 1/2 cups 360 g 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 cup finely grated seedless cucumber excess water squeezed
- 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove grated
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill and/or mint
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt optional, black pepper to taste
D) Pita & Classic Fixings
- 8 small 100% whole-wheat pocket pitas about 60 g each; aim for ≥6 g fiber, no added sugar
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced (briefly rinsed in cold water)
- 8 Kalamata olives pitted, halved, and rinsed
- Fresh parsley or dill sprigs
Instructions
- Herb-Lemon Activation : Whisk together all marinade ingredients except the bay leaves. Taste a tiny drop; it should be bright and savory, not salty.
- Chicken Coat & Chill : Reserve 2 Tbsp marinade in a small cup for basting (food-safe). Toss chicken with the remaining marinade and the crumpled bay leaves. Cover and marinate 30 minutes at room temperature (quick option) or 2–12 hours refrigerated.
- Tzatziki Set : Stir yogurt, grated/squeezed cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill/mint, and the optional pinch of salt with pepper. Chill 15 minutes to meld.
- Skewer Line-Up : Thread chicken onto 8 skewers with slight gaps for even heat flow. Discard used marinade.
- Sear & Sizzle : Preheat a well-oiled grill or ridged grill pan to medium-high (about 450–500°F). Grill skewers 8–10 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes. Brush once with the reserved clean marinade during the final minutes. Cook to 165°F in the center. Rest 3 minutes off heat.
- Pita Warm-Up : Warm pitas directly on the grill or pan 15–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
- Wrap Assembly : Spread tzatziki inside each pita. Slide chicken off the skewers and into the pita. Add tomato, cucumber, a few onion slivers, and 2 olive halves. Finish with parsley or dill. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.
- Refrigerate leftover chicken and tzatziki separately for up to 3 days; rewarm chicken briefly and re-stir tzatziki before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 stuffed pita (1/8 of recipe)- Calories: 430 kcal
- Total Fat: 9.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.0 g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.0 g
- Total Sugars: 4.7 g
- Added Sugars: 0.0 g
- Protein: 44.3 g
- Sodium: 357 mg
- Cholesterol: 92 mg
My Top Tips for a Perfect Result
- Marinate smart: Even 30 minutes changes everything. Overnight is next-level.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give the skewers room so you get that gorgeous char.
- Warm the pitas: A few seconds on a hot pan makes them soft and pliable.
- Rinse the onions: A quick cold-water rinse keeps the flavor gentle and sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes this “Mediterranean”?
It follows the pillars of Mediterranean diet recipes—extra virgin olive oil, lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables and herbs.
What can I serve with it?
A simple Greek salad, roasted veggies, or hummus and olives. All are effortless easy Mediterranean meals that round out the plate.
Is this a 30-minute Mediterranean chicken dinner?
Yes, the active time fits a busy weeknight. Marinate earlier in the day and dinner becomes a true 30-minute Mediterranean chicken dinner.
A Taste of the Good Life
Fresh, vibrant, and totally doable—that’s the magic of this lifestyle. Make this Mediterranean chicken souvlaki once and you’ll feel the difference in flavor and energy. If it wins a spot in your weekly rotation, tell me in the comments—I love hearing how you make it your own!
