Greek Chicken Souvlaki Pizza

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this sensationally simple Chicken Souvlaki Pizza, a vibrant fusion of beloved Greek flavors and classic Italian comfort. Imagine a perfectly crisp, whole-wheat crust generously topped with succulent marinated chicken, tangy feta cheese, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and refreshing slices of cucumber. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the sun-drenched Aegean straight to your dining table, offering a delicious escape from the ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Greek-Inspired Pizza

There’s something truly magical about Greek cuisine. Its fresh ingredients, robust herbs, and the harmonious blend of salty, savory, and zesty notes make it an absolute favorite for so many, myself included. Whether it’s the savory goodness of Souvlaki or the refreshing simplicity of Tzatziki, Greek flavors are irresistible at any time of day, in any form. While I adore whipping up my Chicken Souvlaki Burgers for lively summer gatherings and find my Greek Chicken Meatball Gyros to be the ideal lunchtime delight, this Chicken Souvlaki Pizza introduces a whole new dimension of enjoyment.

This recipe is designed for ease and flavor, perfect for those bustling weeknights when time is a precious commodity but you refuse to compromise on taste. It takes the cherished elements of traditional Greek souvlaki and artfully arranges them atop a warm, inviting pizza crust. Imagine tender, marinated chicken, generously drizzled with cool, creamy tzatziki, brightened by fresh lemon, and adorned with crumbled feta and a hint of spicy red onion. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes, making this Chicken Souvlaki Pizza an instant family favorite that will revolutionize your perception of pizza night!

The Authentic Flavors of Souvlaki, on a Pizza!

What Exactly is Souvlaki?

At its heart, souvlaki is a cornerstone of Greek street food, celebrated for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It typically involves small pieces of meat – often chicken, pork, beef, or lamb – marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano. These flavorful pieces are then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy bites with a delightful char. Traditionally, souvlaki is served fresh off the skewer, often nestled in warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki, a scattering of fresh vegetables, and sometimes crispy fries.

Our Chicken Souvlaki Pizza ingeniously captures the essence of this beloved Greek dish. We take the same vibrant marinade for the chicken, creating that signature zesty, herbaceous taste, and combine it with all the complementary elements you’d find in a traditional souvlaki wrap – the creamy tzatziki, the salty feta, the crisp cucumber, and the sharp bite of red onion – but present it on a beloved pizza base. This innovative approach allows you to enjoy all the familiar, comforting flavors of Greece in a fun, shareable format that’s perfect for a modern meal.

Crafting Your Chicken Souvlaki Pizza: Key Components

Every great pizza starts with exceptional ingredients. For our Chicken Souvlaki Pizza, we focus on fresh, high-quality components that deliver authentic Greek flavors in every bite. Here’s a closer look at what makes this pizza so special:

Succulent Chicken Marinade

The marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with that distinct souvlaki flavor, ensuring it’s juicy and tender. It’s a simple yet powerful combination:

• Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, good quality olive oil provides a rich, fruity base for the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and carry the flavors.
• Dried Oregano: This herbaceous spice is quintessential Greek. Its grassy, slightly bitter notes are synonymous with souvlaki and add depth to the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, fresh, and zesty, lemon juice not only cuts through the richness but also acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken. Feel free to substitute with lime juice if you prefer its slightly sharper citrus kick.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned throughout.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, these are ideal for cubing and marinating. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender results on your pizza.

The Creamy Heart: Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

No souvlaki-inspired dish is complete without refreshing tzatziki. Making it from scratch is incredibly simple and yields the freshest flavor:

• Cucumber: The star of tzatziki, fresh cucumber provides a cool, clean, and crisp element. Shredding and draining it properly is key to preventing a watery sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Thicker and tangier than regular yogurt, Greek yogurt forms the creamy, rich base of our tzatziki. Its robust texture holds up well to the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Pungent and earthy, minced fresh garlic is indispensable for that characteristic tzatziki kick. It adds a wonderful aromatic depth.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, balancing the richness of the yogurt and the sharpness of the garlic.
• Herbs (Mint and Dill): These fresh herbs are the secret to authentic tzatziki. Mint adds a cooling, aromatic lift, while dill provides a slightly anise-like, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the cucumber.

Perfect Pizza Assembly

The foundation and toppings come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes:

• Whole Wheat Pizza Dough: I personally love the slightly nutty flavor and satisfying chew of whole wheat dough, which also adds a healthier touch. However, traditional white pizza dough works beautifully if that’s your preference.
• Olive Oil (for dough): A light brush of good quality olive oil on the crust helps it crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle, savory note to the base.
• Feta Cheese: This Greek brined white cheese, typically made from sheep’s milk, offers a delightful salty, tangy, and crumbly texture that is indispensable for Greek-inspired dishes.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced or diced red onion contributes a strong, pungent bite and a beautiful pop of color, contrasting wonderfully with the milder ingredients.
• English Cucumber: Unlike regular cucumbers, English cucumbers are typically seedless and have thinner skins, providing a lovely, clean crunch without excess water on your finished pizza.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, halved cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and add a fresh, garden-fresh element to the top of your pizza.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzled generously over the baked pizza, the tzatziki isn’t just a sauce; it’s a cool, creamy finish that ties all the flavors together, making the pizza truly sing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Mediterranean Pizza Feast

Get ready to create a masterpiece! Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your delicious Chicken Souvlaki Pizza:

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating your aromatic marinade.
2. Add the cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those wonderful Greek flavors. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Once the chicken has marinated, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (no need for extra oil as it’s already coated) and cook for about 3 minutes, just until it’s lightly browned on the outside. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking perfectly in the oven on the pizza.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a Silpat mat or parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a crisp crust without the need for cornmeal.
2. On your prepared baking sheet, stretch the whole wheat pizza dough as thinly as possible to achieve a crisp base.
3. Lightly brush the stretched dough with olive oil, then sprinkle half of the feta cheese (1/2 cup) evenly over the crust.
4. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces, diced red onions, and halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese.
5. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked through and the edges are lightly golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and the toppings heated.
6. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of feta cheese and the diced English cucumber over the hot pizza.
7. Finally, generously drizzle your desired amount of fresh tzatziki sauce over the entire pizza just before serving. Slice and enjoy!

The Fresh Tzatziki Finish (if making from scratch)

For the freshest tzatziki, follow these steps:

1. Place the shredded cucumber in a colander. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and toss to coat the cucumber evenly.
2. Allow the salted cucumber to sit in the colander (you can place it in your sink) for about 30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess water from the cucumber, preventing your tzatziki from becoming watery. For best results, gently press the cucumber against the colander with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained salted cucumber, plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, minced fresh dill, and minced fresh mint. Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Keep the tzatziki chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it for your pizza.

Smart Tips for a Perfect Pizza Experience

Keeping it Simple with Store-Bought Staples

We all have those nights when time is truly of the essence. Thankfully, this Chicken Souvlaki Pizza is incredibly adaptable for convenience. Most major grocery stores offer fresh pizza dough in their refrigerated sections, or you can even ask your local pizzeria if they sell their fresh dough. Furthermore, pre-made tzatziki sauce is readily available in the deli or refrigerated dips section of most supermarkets these days. Opting for these shortcuts won’t compromise the delicious flavor and will significantly cut down on prep time, making this an even quicker weeknight solution.

Customization and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with other Greek-inspired toppings:

• Cheese: While feta is traditional, consider adding a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra melt, or a touch of halloumi for a salty, squeaky texture.
• Veggies: Sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced bell peppers (red or green), fresh spinach, or artichoke hearts would all be fantastic additions.
• Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe could easily work with marinated lamb or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas.
• Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a dash of hot sauce to your tzatziki.

Expert Dough Handling

To ensure a crispy crust that stands up to the delicious toppings:

• Room Temperature Dough: Always let your pizza dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. It will be much easier to work with.
• Pre-bake (Optional): If you prefer an extra-crispy crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. This is particularly helpful if your dough tends to be very moist.
• Pizza Stone/Steel: For restaurant-quality crispiness, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel. Place it in the oven while preheating to ensure it gets piping hot.

Storage and Leftover Wisdom

While this Chicken Souvlaki Pizza is undeniably delicious when fresh, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t store particularly well as leftovers. The fresh cucumber and creamy tzatziki, when left to sit overnight, can release moisture, leading to a soggy crust. For the best experience, I strongly recommend making only as much as you plan to eat and serve on the day it’s prepared. This ensures every slice remains as vibrant and texturally perfect as possible.

If you do end up with a slice or two, reheat it in a toaster oven or a hot skillet to help re-crisp the crust, but be aware that the toppings might lose some of their initial freshness. It’s truly a dish designed for immediate enjoyment!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this pizza vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can replace it with marinated and grilled halloumi cheese, roasted chickpeas, or grilled zucchini and bell peppers for a flavorful plant-based alternative. The tzatziki, feta, and fresh veggies will still provide plenty of Greek-inspired goodness.

How can I prevent a soggy crust?

Several tips can help prevent a soggy crust:

• Drain Cucumber Well: For your homemade tzatziki, ensure you thoroughly drain the shredded cucumber of excess water after salting.
• Don’t Overload: While tempting, avoid piling too many wet toppings onto the pizza.
• Pre-bake Dough: As mentioned, a quick pre-bake of the plain crust can create a barrier against moisture.
• Add Tzatziki Last: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce *after* the pizza comes out of the oven, just before serving, to prevent it from soaking into the crust during baking.

Can I prepare components in advance?

Yes, you can! The chicken can be marinated several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. The tzatziki sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge; in fact, its flavors often meld and improve over time. This makes assembly on pizza night even quicker!

What drinks pair well with Chicken Souvlaki Pizza?

For a refreshing pairing, consider a crisp white wine like a Greek Assyrtiko or a Sauvignon Blanc. Light beers, sparkling water with lemon, or even a classic iced tea would also complement the fresh flavors beautifully.

More Pizza and Greek Delights to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Chicken Souvlaki Pizza, there’s a whole world of culinary adventures waiting for you. Dive into more delicious recipes that celebrate both creative pizzas and authentic Greek tastes:

• Looking for a fun and easy appetizer for your next gathering? Try my Air Fryer Pizza Hot Pockets for a nostalgic bite with a modern twist.
• Craving more chicken on your pizza? My Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza offers a different, yet equally satisfying, flavor profile.
• For something sweet, savory, and unexpectedly delightful, my Fig Caramelized Onion Pizza is a gourmet treat that will impress any palate.
• If you adore the salty tang of feta as much as I do, then my Zucchini Corn Feta Pizza is a must-try for a fresh, seasonal flavor combination.

Chicken Souvlaki Pizza

This super simple chicken souvlaki pizza is perfect for the quick weeknight rush. Whole wheat dough topped with chicken, feta, tzatziki sauce and cucumber.

By:
Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny

Servings:

1
pizza

Prep:

20
mins

Cook:

25
mins

Total:

45
mins

Equipment

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Baking Sheet Pan
• Silpat

Ingredients

For marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

For pizza:

• 1 pound whole wheat pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup diced red onion, you can also do sliced
• 8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/3 cup diced English cucumber
• 1/4-1/3 cup tzatziki sauce

For tzatziki sauce:

• 1 cup shredded cucumber
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint

Instructions

For marinade:

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, oregano, lemon juice and kosher salt.
2. Add in cubed chicken breast, stir to combine and let marinade for 30 minutes.
3. Once the chicken has marinaded add the chicken to a non-stick skillet set over medium high heat.
4. Cook until just lightly browned on the outside, about 3 minutes. Don’t worry if the chicken is still a little pink. It will finish getting cooked in the oven.

For pizza:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Stretch dough as thin as possible onto a silpat lined baking sheet. This is my preferred method because you do not have to worry about having cornmeal on hand.
3. Lightly coat the dough with olive oil and sprinkle the pizza with 1/2 cup feta cheese.
4. Top the cheese with chicken, red onions and cherry tomatoes.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and the top is just lightly golden.
6. Remove pizza from the oven, top with remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese and diced cucumber.
7. Drizzle with desired amount of tzatziki sauce.

For tzatziki sauce:

1. Add shredded cucumber to a colander, sprinkle with salt and toss to coat evenly.
2. Let the cucumber sit (I leave my colander in the sink) for about 30 minutes to help draw some the water out of the cucumber. I like to press the cucumber agains the colander just to get as much water out as possible.
3. In a medium sized mixing bowl add salted cucumber, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, minced dill and minced mint. Stir together to combine. Keep cold until ready to use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g
Calories: 743kcal
Carbohydrates: 91g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 82mg
Sodium: 1207mg
Fiber: 16g
Sugar: 7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Pizza

Cuisine:
Greek