Lemon-Infused Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Tender grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, fresh lemon juice 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, grated and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp, chopped mint leaves
- 4, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 4 soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Serve the skewers hot with a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita bread or a fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Infused Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 82 minutes (70 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Infused Greek 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Infused Greek 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 Lemon-Infused Greek 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 Lemon-Infused Greek 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.