Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice and oregano, served with a cool cucumber tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until charred edges appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, make tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup peeled and grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken hot with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki?

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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki?

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 Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki 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 Charred Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki?

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.

Related recipes