If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish, you will fall in love with this Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, lemony grilled chicken cubes bursting with Mediterranean spices, paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce packed with refreshing cucumber and dill. It’s the perfect meal for any season, effortlessly combining bright citrus notes and herbaceous flavors that brighten up your plate and your day. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or broiling in the kitchen, this recipe delivers that authentic Greek taste with simplicity and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the zesty lemon juice that tenderizes the chicken to fragrant oregano and fresh dill that elevate the flavors to authentic Mediterranean heights.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides vibrant acidity and tenderizes the chicken for juicy results.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy depth that balances the marinade perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps the marinade cling to the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced: Infuses a bold, savory punch into the chicken and sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The quintessential herb for classic Greek flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Adds mild herbal freshness without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a subtle earthiness that rounds out the spices.
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a hint of citrusy warmth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: Tender protein that soaks up every note of the marinade.
- 1 cup shredded English cucumber (or diced): Adds crunch and refreshes the creamy tzatziki.
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, 2%, or whole): The luxurious base for a cooling sauce that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
- Juice of half a lemon: Brightens and balances the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Adds aromatic, slightly sweet herbal flavor essential in tzatziki.
- ½ teaspoon grated garlic (or 1 teaspoon for extra garlicky flavor): Deepens the sauce’s punch of flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: To season the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins, ensuring every bite of chicken is flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken cubes to your marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour—if you have more time, letting it marinate overnight will intensify the flavors beautifully. This step is key for juicy, flavorful skewers.
Step 3: Preheat and skewer
Whether you are using a grill or your oven’s broiler, preheat it to a medium-high heat setting. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving just a little space between pieces so they cook evenly and develop those irresistible charred edges.
Step 4: Grill the skewers
Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slight char that adds smoky flavor. The chicken should be cooked through, juicy inside, with beautifully caramelized edges.
Step 5: Drain the cucumber
While the chicken cooks, place the shredded or diced English cucumber into a fine mesh strainer or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Press out as much excess liquid as possible—this keeps your tzatziki sauce from becoming watery and keeps all that fresh cucumber flavor vibrant.
Step 6: Mix the tzatziki sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, fold in the well-drained cucumber. Refrigerate the sauce until serving time to let the flavors meld into a cool, creamy accompaniment for your skewers.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top of the skewers and sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a fresh squeeze over the plate, enhancing the lemony character of the dish even more.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides that echo Mediterranean flavors, like warm pita bread, a Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, olives, and feta, or a light couscous salad perfumed with mint and lemon zest. Rice pilaf or roasted vegetables also work brilliantly to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skewers over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wrapped inside pita pockets with generous dollops of tzatziki and crunchy salad. Hosting a party? Arrange the skewers on a platter with small bowls of extra sauce and Mediterranean dips for easy sharing and a colorful table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to avoid sogginess. When ready to enjoy, serve cold or reheat the chicken gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Tzatziki sauce should never be frozen as it will separate and lose its creamy texture. Freeze the chicken for up to two months for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven or on a grill to keep them juicy and tender. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out. Serve again with fresh or refrigerated tzatziki sauce for a delicious second round.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and can stay juicier during grilling. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While one hour is sufficient to impart good flavor, marinating overnight will produce the most tender and flavorful results. Just be sure to keep the chicken refrigerated.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki sauce benefits from some resting time in the fridge to let the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Are there any good alternatives to Greek yogurt for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is best for its thickness and tang, but if needed, you can use strained plain yogurt or labneh. Avoid thin yogurts as the sauce will be too runny.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill is not available, dried dill weed can be used, but add it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Fresh mint or parsley can also impart a fresh herbal note but will change the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the warm flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with ease and joy. The combination of zesty marinade, smoky grilled chicken, and creamy, verdant sauce is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, invite your friends or family over, and watch how these skewers transform any meal into a vibrant celebration of flavor and togetherness.
Print
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish, marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup shredded English cucumber (or diced)
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, 2%, or whole)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon grated garlic (or 1 teaspoon for extra garlicky flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts into the marinade, tossing well to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; marinating overnight is best for enhanced flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill or Broiler: Get your grill or oven broiler ready by heating it to medium-high heat to achieve a nice char on the chicken skewers.
- Skewer and Cook the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers evenly. Grill or broil the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook the chicken through and develop a slightly charred exterior.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Place the shredded English cucumber in a fine mesh strainer or a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze out the excess moisture to keep the tzatziki sauce creamy and not watery.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and flavorful.
- Combine Cucumber with Sauce: Fold the drained cucumber into the yogurt mixture until well incorporated. Chill the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve alongside the chicken skewers.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating enhances the flavors significantly.
- To prevent skewers from burning on the grill, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using.
- Adjust the garlic quantity in the tzatziki sauce according to your taste preference.
- Serve the skewers with warm pita bread or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
