Greek Chicken Souvlaki Easy Meal Recipe

Is the nightly dinner table feeling more like a negotiation table? I get it. You’re trying to get a decent meal on the table, and you’re met with a chorus of “I don’t like that” before anyone even takes a bite. The struggle is so, so real.

That’s exactly why I want to share our family’s secret weapon: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Easy Meal. This isn’t just another recipe. It’s our ticket to a peaceful, happy dinner where everyone actually eats. No more short-order cooking! If you love simple, flavorful Greek chicken recipes, this one is for you.

Think juicy, flavorful chicken, a cool and creamy sauce for dipping, and the fun of eating food on a stick. It’s a win on all fronts. Let me show you how this simple Mediterranean dish became our weeknight hero.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

I was shocked the first time my kids devoured this. Then I realized why it works. First, it’s all about customization. Kids can build their own plate. They can eat the chicken off the skewer, have it in a pita, or just with some rice.

The tzatziki sauce is a game-changer. It’s a cool, mild yogurt sauce that turns the chicken into a dippable snack. For kids who are unsure, dipping feels like play, not pressure. And the simple, bright flavors are a welcome change from heavy, complicated sauces.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I promise, nothing here is weird or hard to find. You probably have most of it already. This is about simple, real food that tastes amazing together.

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Easy Tzatziki (Yogurt Sauce):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat is creamiest!)
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out the extra water with your hands)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Warm pita bread or flatbreads
• Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion
• Cooked rice or a simple green salad

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting little hands involved is the best way to build excitement for the meal. I always give my kids a job. It makes them feel proud and more likely to try the final product.

Task 1: The Skewer Master. If your kids are old enough to handle wooden skewers (blunt ends are safer!), let them thread the chicken cubes. It’s like delicious, edible play-doh! Just make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes first so they don’t burn.

Task 2: Sauce Stirrer. Measuring the yogurt, squeezing the cucumber, and stirring everything together for the tzatziki is a perfect, no-cook job. They love being in charge of the “special sauce.”

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the word “souvlaki” scare you. This is incredibly straightforward. I’ll walk you through it, step by simple step.

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes, toss to coat, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki: While the chicken marinates, make the sauce. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands over the sink. In a medium bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and salt. Cover and chill until serving.
3. Prep for Grilling: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces. Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Skewers: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy! Serve immediately with the chilled tzatziki sauce, warm pitas, and your chosen veggies.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

Every family is different. Here’s how we tweak this meal to please everyone at our table without extra work.

The Deconstructed Plate: For my most sensitive eater, I serve everything separately: a pile of chicken (no skewer), a bowl of plain rice, some cucumber slices, and the tzatziki on the side. He feels in control and often ends up mixing it all together himself!

Add Some Zing for Grown-Ups: I’ll sometimes mix a pinch of cayenne into the adult’s portion of marinade. Or, I’ll set out a small bowl of crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for us to sprinkle on top. It feels fancy with zero extra cooking. For another quick, savory meal that uses similar pantry staples, try this high-protein garlic chicken fried rice.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This meal is a fantastic make-ahead option. I often double the recipe to guarantee easy leftovers.

Store leftover cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken reheats beautifully in the microwave or a warm oven. You can also freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken in the skewers for a future meal!

For a super-fast lunch, chop up the leftover chicken and toss it into a salad with the tzatziki as a dressing. It’s a whole new meal.

Nutrition Notes

One of the reasons I feel good serving this is because it’s packed with good stuff. It’s a perfect example of the family-friendly Mediterranean diet.

• High-Protein: The chicken and Greek yogurt keep everyone full and energized.
• Gut-Friendly: Greek yogurt is full of probiotics.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil is the star of the marinade, great for heart health.
• Low in Sugar: No hidden sugars here, just natural ingredients.
• Packed with Veggies: From the cucumber in the sauce to the fresh sides, it’s easy to get veggies in.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove works wonderfully. You can also broil the skewers in the oven on a baking sheet. Just place them a few inches from the broiler and watch them closely, turning once.

My child hates “green bits” (herbs). What can I do?

No problem! Make the marinade without the dill. You can blend the marinade ingredients (oil, lemon, garlic, oregano) in a small blender or food processor until the herbs are fully incorporated and not visible. For the sauce, just leave the dill out entirely.

Is the tzatziki sauce too garlicky for kids?

It shouldn’t be if you use just one small clove. The yogurt really mellows it out. For extra caution, you can use just half a clove, or even a tiny pinch of garlic powder instead. Always taste as you go!

So there you have it. Our family’s go-to solution for a dinner that’s fast, healthy, and actually gets eaten. It takes the stress out of the evening and brings a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table.

I truly hope this Greek Chicken Souvlaki becomes a beloved favorite in your home, too. It’s more than just food; it’s a recipe for happier, easier family meals. If you’re craving another comforting pasta dish with similar ease, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a fantastic option for your next meal plan.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids go for the skewers? What twists did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!