Slow-Cooked Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Tender chicken pieces marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, slow-cooked for depth of flavor and served with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 315 minutes pairs freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, grated and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: Transfer the marinated chicken and all its juices to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Once chicken is done, serve warm with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side and optional warm pita bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Slow-Cooked Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
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 freshly squeezed lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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.
