Skillet Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy chicken souvlaki pieces seared in a skillet and served with a cool homemade cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, fresh lemon juice 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 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, peeled and grated cucumber
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil (for sauce)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb cubed chicken breast with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare tzatziki: squeeze excess water from 1/2 peeled and grated cucumber, then combine with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp olive oil in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching 165°F internal temperature.
- Step 4: Serve the hot chicken souvlaki immediately with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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.
