Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in bright lemon juice and earthy oregano, grilled on skewers and served with a cool garlic yogurt sauce for a classic Greek entrée. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano 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 420 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp dried oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and edges are slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, make the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove (reserve 3 from marinade), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 pieces of pita bread in the oven at 350°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: To serve, place chicken souvlaki on pita, top with slices of 1 small red onion, 1 sliced medium tomato, and spoon 2 tbsp garlic yogurt sauce over each. Fold and enjoy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt 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 Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt 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 Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt 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 Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt 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.

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