If you have a craving for something vibrant, fresh, and full of sunshine flavors, the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken marinated in a tangy, herb-packed blend and perfectly grilled to smoky perfection, paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that bursts with cucumber and dill. It’s an absolute celebration of Greek flavors that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to this dish’s amazing balance of bright, earthy, and fresh flavors. Each component plays a vital role in creating the lush marinade, the juicy chicken, and that irresistible tzatziki sauce that brings everything together.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty tang and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: Gives a subtle acidity to brighten up the marinade.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps infuse the herbs and spices evenly.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a pungent, aromatic depth into both the marinade and sauce.
- Dried oregano: Brings that quintessential Greek herb flavor everyone loves.
- Dried parsley: Adds subtle freshness and color.
- Ground cumin: Lends a warm, earthy undertone.
- Ground coriander: Adds a gentle citrusy note that complements the lemon.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender when marinated and grilled.
- Shredded English cucumber: Provides crisp texture and freshness for the tzatziki.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki sauce—choose your favorite fat content for desired richness.
- Fresh dill: A classic herb in Greek cuisine that brightens the sauce.
- Lemon juice (for sauce): Boosts the freshness of the tzatziki for a perfect balance.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Begin by whisking together fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with incredible Mediterranean flavors while tenderizing it for juicy results.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the cubed chicken breasts into the marinade, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally longer if your schedule allows. This step is key for letting those bright, herby flavors really soak into the chicken.
Step 3: Skewer the chicken
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven broiler on high. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, packing them closely but without crowding. This helps them cook evenly and achieve a lovely charred exterior.
Step 4: Grill to perfection
Place the skewers on your grill or under the broiler and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want golden edges with a hint of smokiness and fully cooked, succulent chicken inside. Keep an eye to avoid drying out.
Step 5: Prepare the tzatziki sauce
While the chicken grills, prep your sauce. Start by removing excess water from the shredded cucumber—this step is crucial to keep your tzatziki creamy rather than watery. Combine the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the drained cucumber, mix well, and chill until ready to serve.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped fresh dill or oregano on top adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add extra brightness if they like.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a simple Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, olives, and feta. Roasted vegetables or a light quinoa salad also complement the meal perfectly, rounding out the Mediterranean vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewers over a bed of herbed rice or inside pita pockets with tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onions for a delicious wrap. Alternatively, arrange the skewers on a platter with small bowls of tzatziki and garnish for a stunning appetizer spread that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, simply place the chicken skewers and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers and store them separately in the refrigerator. The chicken stays tender and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers in a freezer-safe container. However, the tzatziki sauce is best made fresh or kept refrigerated as freezing can affect its texture and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers gently in a preheated oven or on a stovetop grill pan to re-crisp the outside without drying them out. Serve with freshly chilled tzatziki sauce for the best flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, making for even more tender and flavorful skewers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt strained through cheesecloth to thicken works well too. You want something creamy but not runny for the best tzatziki texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! The broiler in your oven is a great alternative that helps mimic those beautiful charred edges. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning and turn the skewers regularly for even cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour is ideal, but you can leave it overnight in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor development without compromising texture.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The chicken skewers and tzatziki can be prepped ahead and stored separately. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and keep the sauce chilled. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option.
Final Thoughts
The Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels like a little Mediterranean getaway on your plate. It’s refreshing yet comforting, simple to make but impressive to serve, and packed with wholesome ingredients you’ll love. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a fast favorite for weeknights and entertaining alike.
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Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing homemade Tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and fresh dill. This dish offers a flavorful, light, and healthy Mediterranean meal ideal for gatherings or a satisfying dinner.
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 lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to enhance flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill or Broiler: Preheat your grill or oven broiler to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Skewer and Cook the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Grill or broil for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char on the edges.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Place the shredded cucumber in a fine mesh strainer or clean towel and squeeze out excess liquid to avoid watery sauce.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Cucumber and Yogurt Mix: Fold the drained cucumber into the yogurt mixture until well combined. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve alongside the chicken skewers.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight allows for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
- Using a fine mesh strainer or towel to drain the cucumber helps prevent the Tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- For extra flavor, parsley can be fresh instead of dried if preferred.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless thigh meat for juicier skewers.
- Serve the skewers hot with chilled Tzatziki sauce for the best contrast and taste.
