Hassle-Free Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Effortless Lazy Greek Chicken Souvlaki: Your Healthy, No-Skewer Weight Watchers Delight

Let’s be honest, many of us love the idea of perfectly portioned food on a stick, but the effort of cubing ingredients and threading them onto skewers can feel like a chore. While traditional kabobs and skewered meals are delightful, the preparation often deters me, especially on busy weeknights.

Greek Chicken breast Souvlaki with tzatziki drizzled on (with no pita and no skewer) on a bed of fresh vegetables

What if I told you that you could savor all the authentic flavors of Greek chicken souvlaki without any of the tedious cutting and skewering? That’s precisely why I developed this *lazy version* of Easy Chicken Souvlaki. It’s not just convenient; it’s also a remarkably healthy, low-carb, and Weight Watchers-friendly option! Each serving of this Weight Watchers Chicken Souvlaki is a mere 4 Weight Watchers points on the Blue Plan (and yes, that includes the luscious tzatziki sauce!). It’s also naturally gluten-free and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Trust me, you won’t even miss the skewer with this incredibly satisfying meal.

For those of us juggling family life, cooking healthy dinners night after night can feel like an endless marathon. While I generally enjoy cooking, there are plenty of days when the kitchen calls, and I’d rather be anywhere else. Yet, the commitment to providing nutritious meals for my children remains. Even though my kids are developing their culinary skills, they haven’t quite reached the independent chef stage, and we all know that supervising can sometimes demand more energy than simply preparing the meal yourself. This constant need for efficient and healthy solutions keeps me on the hunt for recipes that simplify the cooking process without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

This no-skewer Weight Watchers Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a game-changer, offering a significantly faster route to a delicious Greek meal than traditional methods. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and flavorful but are short on time and patience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: marinating whole chicken breasts and then cooking them to perfection, eliminating the need for fiddly prep work. The result is tender, juicy chicken infused with classic Greek spices, ready to be served over a fresh bed of colorful vegetables. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Lazy Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Creating this simplified, yet incredibly flavorful, Greek Chicken Souvlaki requires just a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. The magic truly happens in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with that signature Mediterranean taste. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

  • **Chicken Breast:** The lean protein base for our meal, chosen for its versatility and health benefits.
  • **Minced Garlic:** Essential for a pungent, aromatic foundation that is characteristic of Greek cuisine.
  • **Lemon Juice (from concentrate):** Provides a bright, zesty tang that tenderizes the chicken and cuts through richness. Using concentrate makes it even lazier!
  • **Oregano:** The quintessential Greek herb, delivering an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that defines souvlaki.
  • **Olive Oil:** A healthy fat that helps carry the flavors into the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.
  • **Cajun Seasoning:** While not traditionally Greek, a small amount adds a fantastic depth and a subtle spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
  • **Bay Leaf:** Contributes a delicate, herbal aroma to the marinade, adding complexity without being overpowering.

Beyond the chicken and its marinade, the “bed of fresh vegetables” acts as both a vibrant serving platter and a nutritious accompaniment. You’ll layer sliced red onion, crisp cucumber, and juicy Roma tomatoes beneath the cooked chicken. This colorful array not only makes for a stunning presentation but also adds crunch, freshness, and a wealth of vitamins and fiber to your meal. And of course, no Greek-inspired dish is complete without a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought tzatziki, offering a cool, creamy counterpoint to the savory chicken.

Greek Chicken breast Souvlaki with tzatziki drizzled on (with no pita and no skewer) on a bed of fresh vegetables

📖 Versatile Variations and Serving Suggestions

This recipe was specifically designed as a shortcut to delicious souvlaki, perfect for those times when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. One of its greatest strengths is its adaptability. You can effortlessly prepare this dish on your stovetop, achieving a beautifully seared and tender chicken, or take it to the grill for a smoky char that adds another layer of flavor. Both methods yield equally delicious results, making it a flexible recipe for any kitchen setup or weather condition.

Serving the marinated chicken breasts on a vibrant bed of fresh, crisp vegetables on a platter is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a smart way to incorporate more greens into your diet without needing additional side dishes. The colorful assortment of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and creamy tzatziki. For those who prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can easily swap out the skinless, boneless chicken breasts for skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Thighs offer a bit more fat content, which can result in even juicier, more forgiving chicken, while still keeping the recipe relatively healthy.

However, if you ever find yourself with a bit more time and a craving for the traditional skewered experience, don’t hesitate to try my Greek Chicken Souvlaki Wrap. That recipe offers the classic kabob style, perfect for wrapping in warm pita bread with all the fixings. It’s a wonderful alternative for when you’re in the mood for a more hands-on cooking adventure and the satisfying ritual of assembling your own wraps.

I am a devoted admirer of Mediterranean cuisine, and anything featuring the bright zest of lemon paired with the cool, creamy goodness of homemade tzatziki instantly wins me over. This recipe allows me to enjoy those authentic Greek flavors quickly and easily, without resorting to expensive or less healthy takeout options. It’s a truly happy moment when I can whip up such a fresh and flavorful meal right in my own kitchen!

Why This Lazy Souvlaki is a Weeknight Win:

  • **Speed and Simplicity:** No fiddly cutting of chicken into cubes or threading skewers. Marinate whole breasts and cook!
  • **Healthy & Weight Watchers Friendly:** Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a delicious low-point tzatziki make this a guilt-free pleasure.
  • **Bursting with Flavor:** The simple yet effective marinade delivers all the classic Greek tastes you love.
  • **Versatile Cooking Methods:** Perfect for stovetop searing or grilling, depending on your preference.
  • **One-Pan (or Platter) Meal:** Served on a bed of fresh veggies, it’s a complete meal in itself, minimizing cleanup.

If you’re looking for more easy chicken breast recipes that are also gluten-free and simple to prepare, then give my Gluten-Free Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken a try! It’s another fantastic option for a flavorful and healthy meal with minimal fuss.

⭐ Reviews & Community Engagement

Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to RATE THE RECIPE below and share your experience. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks!

To stay updated with our latest recipes, tips, and culinary adventures, please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter (and get my FREE E-cookbook as a thank you!). Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for daily inspiration and delicious recipe ideas!

Greek Chicken breast Souvlaki with tzatziki drizzled on (with no pita and no skewer) on a bed of fresh vegetables
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Lazy Easy Chicken Souvlaki

This Lazy Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki is your healthier, quicker, and simpler solution for a delicious souvlaki fix. No cutting or skewering required! A tender, marinated chicken breast is elegantly served on a bed of fresh vegetables (ditching the pita bread for a low-carb alternative), making it a truly satisfying, swift, and Weight Watchers friendly meal. It’s just 4 WW points on the Blue Plan, including the delightful tzatziki sauce!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe
Pin
Save RecipeSave Recipe
Rate

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 360kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken breasts

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade:

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice (from concentrate)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf

Vegetable Bed:

  • 1 medium red onion, sliced in circles, then cut in half
  • 3 roma tomatoes, sliced in circles
  • 1 cucumber, sliced in circles

Garnish:

  • 6 tablespoons tzatziki sauce
  • fresh lemon wedges
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Heads Up! This recipe includes a marinating time of at least 6 hours, which is crucial for maximizing flavor. I highly recommend preparing the marinade the night before or first thing in the morning before heading out for work, so your chicken is ready to cook come dinner time.

Preparing Your Greek Souvlaki Marinade:

  • To help the marinade penetrate deeply, gently score the chicken breasts (I typically use a fork to prick the top of each chicken breast several times). In a large resealable bag or a non-reactive plastic container, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the scored chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag/container and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours. For optimal flavor and tenderness, flip the chicken halfway through the marinating process if you’re able.
  • Once marinated, cook the chicken. Heat a frying pan over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are thoroughly done, with no pink remaining inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, typically 5-8 minutes per side.
  • While the chicken rests for a few minutes, arrange the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and chopped red onions artfully on a serving platter. Once the chicken is ready, slice it and place it atop the fresh vegetable bed. Finish by drizzling generously with tzatziki sauce. *For an elegant presentation, I often transfer the tzatziki to a small ziploc bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it onto the chicken and vegetables in a pleasing, squiggly design.

Garnish & Serve:

  • Complete your Greek masterpiece by garnishing with fresh lemon wedges. *For an extra burst of flavor and freshness that truly brightens the entire dish, I highly recommend squeezing fresh lemon juice all over the vegetables and chicken just before serving. Enjoy your quick and healthy Lazy Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breast with veggies | Calories: 360kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) | Protein: 52g (104%) | Fat: 13g (20%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 154mg (51%) | Sodium: 353mg (15%) | Potassium: 1078mg (31%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 513IU (10%) | Vitamin C: 18mg (22%) | Calcium: 63mg (6%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

🐓 More Healthy & Delicious Weight Watchers Chicken Recipes!

If you’re as keen on easy, healthy chicken meals as I am, especially those that fit into a Weight Watchers plan, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes. They’re all designed to be flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare, proving that healthy eating can be exciting and diverse:

  • Weight Watchers Butter Chicken: A lighter take on a beloved classic, packed with flavor without the guilt.
  • WW Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes: Tangy balsamic and sweet roasted tomatoes complement tender chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired delight.
  • Healthy Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Enjoy a creamy pasta dish that’s surprisingly light and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
  • Hoisin Orange Chicken: A delightful blend of sweet and savory, offering an Asian-inspired twist to your chicken repertoire.
  • Cornish Hens with Rosemary Wine Sauce: Perfect for a slightly more special occasion, these hens are elegant yet easy to prepare.
  • WW Beer Can Chicken: A fun and surprisingly simple way to get incredibly juicy and flavorful whole chicken, adapted for Weight Watchers.

These recipes are a testament to the fact that you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals while staying on track with your health goals. Happy cooking!