Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast nestled in a brioche bun, topped with creamy feta spread and cool tzatziki, and finished with lettuce, onion, tomato and avocado — this Greek chicken burger is a guaranteed summer BBQ winner.
Summer is prime grilling season. If you prefer beef, check out a classic burger, or try a halloumi burger for a vegetarian option.
Whether you’ve just bought a new BBQ or you simply love cooking outdoors, grilling feels like the centerpiece of summer. My family has been all in — they can’t get enough of these burgers. I enjoy a hearty smash burger occasionally, but in warm months I crave lighter, veggie-forward meals. That’s why I turn to chicken burgers: they’re lighter, satisfying and perfect for summer.
This Greek-style chicken burger takes everyday ingredients and lifts them with bright Mediterranean flavors. Marinated and chargrilled chicken, a creamy feta spread, tangy tzatziki and crisp fresh toppings come together for a delicious, balanced bite.
Greek Grilled Chicken
This burger is inspired by the classic Greek street food chicken souvlaki: marinated chicken cooked over high heat, served with garlic-forward tzatziki and crisp toppings. I borrowed the aromatics and textures and turned them into a burger that’s easy to make at home.
The Marinade
The centerpiece is the charred, juicy chicken breast, and a simple Greek marinade is what gives it its signature flavor. A typical combination of fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and olive oil keeps things bright and aromatic. Marinate the chicken overnight for the best depth of flavor, but three hours is enough if you’re short on time.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Split boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thinner cutlets before marinating. Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly, and they’re easier to fit in a burger bun.
- To avoid overcooking and a rubbery texture, grill the chicken carefully: sear on high heat, then move to indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the meat rest for a few minutes before assembling.
- To amplify Greek flavors, I use two spreads: a creamy feta spread on the bottom bun and tzatziki on the top. The feta spread—feta blended with a little Greek yogurt—adds salty creaminess without the mess of crumbled cheese.
- Both the feta spread and tzatziki can be made a day ahead, which saves time and lets flavors meld.
Chicken Burger Toppings
My toppings follow the souvlaki tradition: crisp lettuce, sliced onion and ripe tomato. I also add sliced avocado for extra creaminess, but feel free to customize.
- Hummus or tahini sauce for a different Mediterranean twist
- Grilled halloumi for a richer, salty addition
These burgers pair well with a simple tomato salad with herbs and feta or a creamy cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
More Greek-inspired recipes
- Greek whole roasted chicken
- One-pan Greek chicken and orzo
- Greek orzo salad with grilled zucchini
- Greek lamb burgers with tahini dressing (low-carb option)
Greek Chicken Burger with Feta
Ingredients
- 1½ lemons, juice and zest
- 2 cloves pressed garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 125 g / 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 125 ml / 1/2 cup tzatziki
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Combine lemon juice and zest, pressed garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and olive oil. Pour the marinade over the chicken and marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the grill. While it heats, prepare toppings. Make the feta spread by mashing the feta with a fork into a paste, then stirring in the Greek yogurt. Prepare tzatziki or use store-bought. Slice onion, tomato and avocado, and wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Sear the chicken over high heat for 2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat, cover and cook 5–7 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before assembling.
- Assemble the burgers: spread 1–2 tbsp of feta spread on the bottom bun, add a lettuce leaf, the grilled chicken, sliced onion, tomato and avocado. Top with 1–2 tbsp tzatziki and the top bun. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 37 g
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Protein: 37 g
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Fat: 26 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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