If you’ve ever wandered through a Mediterranean street market, you’ve probably caught the smoky, lemony scent of chicken souvlaki wafting through the air. It’s one of those meals that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and health food – zesty, juicy grilled chicken, cooling tzatziki, and a warm pita to wrap it all up.
The best part? You don’t need a street cart or a massive family gathering to enjoy it. This version is perfectly portioned for one – easy to prep, big on flavour, and kind to your weekly shop.
Meal Goals
✔ High in protein – helps keep you satisfied and supports muscle health.
✔ Balanced Mediterranean plate – lean meat, healthy fats, and fibre-rich accompaniments.
✔ Quick & low-fuss – marinate, grill, and eat in under 30 minutes.
✔ Solo-friendly – no waste, just the right portion for one hungry human.
Why It’s Good For You (Ingredient Benefits)
- Chicken thighs – juicy, flavourful, and packed with protein for satiety and repair.
- Olive oil – a cornerstone of Mediterranean diets, full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Lemon – brightens flavour and provides a dose of vitamin C.
- Garlic & oregano – not just flavour bombs, but also rich in antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Greek yogurt (in tzatziki) – high in protein, calcium, and probiotics for gut health.
- Cucumber – hydrating and cooling, adding crunch and vitamins without extra calories.
- Pita bread – your source of carbs for energy, perfect for scooping and wrapping.
Ingredients (Solo Serve)
For the chicken souvlaki:
- 1 boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or fresh if you’ve got it)
- Pinch of salt & pepper
For the tzatziki:
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (unsweetened, full-fat preferred)
- ¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- ½ small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
To serve:
- 1 small pita bread, warmed
- Fresh parsley or mint (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Marinate the chicken – In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, toss well, and let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead).
- Make the tzatziki – Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Chill while the chicken cooks.
- Cook the chicken – Thread chicken pieces onto skewers (metal or soaked wooden). Grill on a hot grill pan or barbecue for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Assemble & serve – Warm your pita, slather with tzatziki, pile on the souvlaki, and top with fresh herbs. Eat immediately while it’s juicy and hot.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Chicken – Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, but it’s best eaten fresh off the grill.
- Tzatziki – Keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge, though the cucumber may release water. Stir before serving.
- Pita – Wrap and store at room temperature for 1–2 days, or freeze individually for longer.
Swap It Up
- Protein swap – Try lamb, prawns, or even halloumi for a vegetarian version.
- Carb light – Skip the pita and serve over a crisp salad.
- Extra veg – Add roasted capsicum, zucchini, or red onion skewered alongside the chicken.
Nutritional Snapshot (approx. per serve)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fibre: 4g
Final Bite
This Lemon-Herb Chicken Souvlaki for One is proof that solo dining doesn’t mean settling. It’s fast, fresh, and bursting with that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe – tangy lemon, garlicky yogurt, and smoky grilled chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a Friday night “fakeaway” with a glass of crisp white wine.
👉 If you enjoyed this recipe, stick around for the rest of our Mediterranean Solo Series – from mini moussakas to seafood orzo, we’ve got your weeknight dinners covered. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, or drop a comment below with your favourite souvlaki twist!
