Pan-Seared Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to juicy perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends olive oil, freshly squeezed 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by squeezing excess moisture from 1/2 peeled and grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine the cucumber with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely browned with grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with chilled tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita bread or a fresh salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Greek 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 Greek 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 Greek 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 Greek 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 Greek 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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