Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy marinated chicken skewers pan-seared and served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano 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 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 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 lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound 1-inch cubed chicken breast, toss to coat, and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers if desired, then place them in the skillet.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning to sear all sides evenly.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and serve immediately with a generous dollop of the prepared tzatziki sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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.
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