If you’re longing for a dish that instantly transports you to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean, Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce is the perfect answer. Every juicy bite of marinated chicken bursts with fresh citrus, fragrant herbs, and a gentle char from the grill, while the cool, creamy tzatziki brings that unmistakable Greek flair. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a light, nourishing meal, this recipe is as vibrant as it is simple, making it a favorite for both easy weeknights and festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe truly shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing its own role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the zesty marinade to the crisp, refreshing sauce, every element is essential for capturing that classic Greek taste in your own kitchen.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut; thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts are lean and tender.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to every piece of chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star tangy flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of citrus aroma and depth.
- Garlic: A must for savory, authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that brings everything together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of gentle heat.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked to prevent burning and perfect for grilling.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for your tzatziki, thick and tangy.
- Cucumber: Grated and squeezed to keep the sauce fresh and not watery.
- Fresh dill: Adds brightness and a signature herbal twist to the sauce.
- More lemon juice: For extra zing in the tzatziki.
- Olive oil (for sauce): A drizzle here deepens the flavor and gives a silky finish.
- More garlic: Because you can never have too much in Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce!
- Salt and pepper (for sauce): For that final seasoning touch.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add your cubed chicken and toss it thoroughly so every piece gets coated in that bright, zesty marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or let it soak up the flavors for up to 4 hours if you have the time. This step is where the magic begins, infusing each bite with Greek sunshine!
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This is a small but important trick that prevents them from charring or burning on the grill. When you’re ready, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, packing pieces close but not too tight, so they cook evenly and get a little caramelization on the edges.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the loaded skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to get beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is golden, lightly charred, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whip up the tzatziki. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is blended into a creamy, herby sauce. Chill it until you’re ready to serve, so the flavors meld and intensify—this is the cooling, tangy counterpart to your hot, savory skewers.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce on a platter, drizzle or dip generously, and watch them disappear. The contrast of juicy, lemony chicken with the refreshing, garlicky sauce is pure perfection. It’s a dish destined to be a new staple in your kitchen!
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Garnishes
Give your platter a pop of color and extra flavor with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of more lemon zest, or a few wedges of lemon for squeezing. Some finely sliced red onion or a handful of cherry tomatoes also add freshness and vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce pair beautifully with warm pita bread, fluffy rice pilaf, or a crisp Greek salad full of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Even roasted potatoes or simple grilled vegetables make an amazing addition, turning your meal into a Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers family-style on a big platter with bowls of tzatziki for dipping, or stuff the chicken and sauce into pita pockets with crunchy veggies for an on-the-go lunch. For a party, make mini skewers as appetizers—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki stays fresh for about 2 days before the cucumber starts to lose its crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Simply let them cool completely, remove them from the skewers, and pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Don’t freeze the tzatziki sauce, though—it loses its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven or skillet keeps the chicken from drying out. Serve with fresh tzatziki for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they’re extra juicy and flavorful. Whether you use breasts or thighs, Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce will turn out deliciously tender.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries—these skewers can be baked in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet and flip halfway through for even cooking. You’ll still get wonderful flavor and a lovely golden finish.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! In fact, marinating overnight is the secret to even deeper, more developed flavors. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to change the chicken’s texture.
Is there a dairy-free option for the tzatziki?
You can make a dairy-free version of tzatziki by using a plant-based Greek-style yogurt. It will still be creamy and tangy, making this Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce recipe accessible to everyone.
What’s the best way to keep the skewers from sticking to the grill?
Be sure your grill is well preheated and lightly oiled before adding the skewers. Also, don’t move them too soon—let them naturally release when they’re ready to turn for those perfect grill marks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce with family and friends—the flavors are bold, the preparation is simple, and the results are always crowd-pleasing. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Happy cooking!
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Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes plus marinating
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce offer a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean meal perfect for grilling. Juicy marinated chicken cubes are grilled to perfection and served with a cool, creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce, making it ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes into the marinade, tossing well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and golden brown color. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely done.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken skewers with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling, accompanied by your favorite sides like pita bread or Greek salad.
Notes
- These skewers pair perfectly with pita bread, rice pilaf, or a fresh Greek salad.
- If grilling isn’t an option, bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and enhance tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
