Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

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

Tender skewers of marinated chicken infused with fresh lemon and oregano, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat, then marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare tzatziki by combining 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 pieces of pita bread on the grill for 1 minute per side. Serve chicken skewers atop warm pita with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki 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 Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki 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 Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki 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 Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki 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.

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