Char-Grilled Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce that highlights classic Greek flavors. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 77 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice 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 280 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 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, peeled and grated cucumber
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced (for tzatziki)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for tzatziki)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce by squeezing excess water from 1 small peeled and grated cucumber into a bowl. Add 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving slight gaps between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki hot with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 77 minutes (65 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 Greek 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 Greek 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 Greek 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 Greek 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.
