Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Tender marinated chicken skewers baked to perfection, served with a cool and tangy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, fresh 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 320 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 fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil for tzatziki
- 4 wooden skewers, soaked
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 fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken cubes to marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly. Arrange skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 18-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly golden.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by squeezing excess water from 1/2 cup peeled and grated cucumber. In a bowl, combine cucumber with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Serve the hot chicken souvlaki skewers with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (70 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked 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 Oven-Baked 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 Oven-Baked 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 Oven-Baked 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.