Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a bright lemon and oregano mixture, then baked until juicy and slightly charred. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until combined and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 pound boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and add them to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water 30 minutes prior).
  4. Step 4: Place the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly browned and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving with tzatziki or pita bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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