Slow-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken pieces marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, slow-simmered for tenderness, served with a creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 255 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the marinated chicken to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until tender and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare tzatziki by squeezing excess water from 1/2 peeled and grated cucumber, then folding it into 1 cup plain Greek yogurt along with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), and 1 tbsp white wine vinegar. Mix well and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: Serve the slow-simmered chicken with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side and garnish with extra dill if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki?

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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki?

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-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki 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-Simmered Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki?

Mediterranean 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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