Description
Succulent chicken pieces marinated in lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, grilled on skewers, and paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table, perfect for a light dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded English cucumber (about 1/2 large cucumber)
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, 2%, or whole)
- Juice of half a lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (increase to 1 teaspoon for a stronger garlic flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours for enhanced flavor.
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Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Place the shredded cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Assemble and Grill the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
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Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken skewers warm, accompanied by the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: These skewers pair well with warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tzatziki sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If a grill is not available, the skewers can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven.