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
Scale
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
