Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in garlic, lemon, and oregano, pan-seared until golden and served with a cool cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs with 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki by combining 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Stir and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken skewers. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken skewers hot with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki Skewers 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