Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a bright lemon and oregano mixture, pan-seared to juicy perfection and served with a fresh cucumber-yogurt sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, lemon juice, olive oil 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces and toss well to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with a dollop of the cucumber-yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano 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 Lemon-Oregano 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 Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

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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