Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Drizzle
Tender marinated chicken cubes seared to golden perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 33 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, finely grated and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 small clove, minced fresh garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 finely grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, and 1 minced small garlic clove in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring a slight char on the edges.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve the chicken cubes drizzled generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Drizzle take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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 Tzatziki Drizzle?
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 Tzatziki Drizzle?
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 Tzatziki Drizzle 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 Tzatziki Drizzle?
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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