Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are a flavorful and healthy dish that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table. Tender chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb marinade, then grilled to perfection. Paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, these skewers make a delicious meal or appetizer that’s perfect for summer grilling, parties, or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon and herb marinade adds bright and savory flavors to the chicken.
• Healthy and Light: A low-carb, high-protein option with fresh ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve with pita bread, over rice, or with a fresh Greek salad.
• Easy to Make: Simple marinade and quick grilling for a delicious dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh dill or parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Sliced red onion

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
   In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Grill the Chicken:

• Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
• Stovetop Method: Cook the skewers in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked.

5. Serve:
   Arrange the chicken skewers on a platter and serve with a generous side of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (or more if marinating longer)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Alternate chicken with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion on the skewers.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Herb Swaps: Use fresh mint, parsley, or basil instead of dill in the tzatziki.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt to make the tzatziki sauce vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Avoid reheating tzatziki sauce; it is best served cold.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy when grilled.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 8 hours as the acid from the lemon can start to break down the chicken too much.

What can I serve with Greek chicken skewers?

Serve with rice, pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or roasted vegetables.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking.

Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

How do I make tzatziki sauce thicker?

Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber. You can also let the sauce sit in the fridge for an hour to thicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to a day in advance. Grill the chicken fresh for the best taste.

What other proteins can I use with this marinade?

This marinade works well with shrimp, pork, or even beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I cook these skewers indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or a large skillet to cook the skewers on the stovetop.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. The zesty lemon and herb-marinated chicken, paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors, these skewers are easy to make and perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or party appetizer. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Greece at home!

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