Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1 cup, full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, grated and squeezed dry cucumber
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki sauce by combining 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 medium grated cucumber squeezed dry, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Serve hot chicken souvlaki with chilled tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita bread or salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
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 Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce 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 Char-Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Greek 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.
