Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic and Lemon Marinade

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

Juicy chicken cubes marinated in garlic, lemon, and oregano, pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a fresh herb garnish. This Greek recipe, ready in about 43 minutes, pairs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cubed chicken breast, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Transfer chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic and Lemon Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (35 min prep + 8 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 with Garlic and Lemon Marinade?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic and Lemon Marinade?

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 with Garlic and Lemon Marinade 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 with Garlic and Lemon Marinade?

Mediterranean greek 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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