If you’re on the lookout for a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and brings a little sunshine right to your dinner table, the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These skewers are a beautiful dance of tender chicken bathed in a vibrant lemon and oregano marinade, grilled to perfection, and paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that compliments every juicy bite. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves Greek-inspired dishes that are simple to make but endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients for this recipe. Each one plays a starring role—from the fresh lemon zest that lifts the marinade to the garlic that adds savory depth, and the fresh dill bringing those authentic Mediterranean vibes. These ingredients come together to create an irresistibly fragrant and colorful meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into 1-inch cubes for even grilling and tender bites.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken beautifully.
- Lemon juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Provides a bright, tangy punch that defines the flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A savory backbone in both the marinade and tzatziki that deepens the taste.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the lemon with a gentle acidity and sharpness.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): The classic herb that makes this recipe unmistakably Greek.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base of the tzatziki sauce that cools and refreshes.
- Cucumber (½, grated and squeezed dry): Adds crisp texture and subtle freshness to the sauce.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Bright herbaceous note that ties the sauce into the skewers’ flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): In the tzatziki for an extra citrusy zing.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading and grilling your chicken to perfection.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This vibrant marinade is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken. Toss in your chicken pieces and make sure every cube is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—though if you can spare up to 2 hours, even better! This gives the flavors time to really soak in.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While your chicken is soaking up all that delicious marinade, it’s time to whip up the tzatziki sauce—grate your cucumber and squeeze out any extra water to keep the sauce from getting watery. Then mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Pop it in the fridge and let those flavors meld while you prepare to grill.
Step 3: Thread and Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat—it’s time to bring the skewers to life! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and marked with those irresistible grill lines. The aroma alone during cooking will make your whole kitchen feel like a Greek taverna.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your skewers hot right off the grill, generously topped with that cooling, tangy tzatziki sauce you prepared earlier. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of smoky grilled chicken and fresh, creamy sauce that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness makes all the difference here. Scatter chopped fresh parsley or extra dill over your skewers just before serving for a burst of color and flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side are also fantastic for squeezing extra citrusy brightness just how you like it.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with warm pita bread or a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onions. If you want something heartier, try serving them alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice pilaf to make your meal truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skewers deconstructed alongside mini pita pockets so everyone can make their own chicken wraps with tzatziki and their favorite toppings. Or try plating the chicken cubes over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a light, elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to maintain its freshness and prevent the chicken from soaking up too much moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save these skewers for later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Tzatziki sauce should never be frozen as it separates when thawed, so prepare fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Avoid using high heat in the microwave as it can dry out the meat. Serve again with fresh tzatziki for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The recipe calls for at least 30 minutes, but marinating overnight will deepen the flavor even more. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated while marinating.
Can I grill these skewers on an indoor grill pan?
Yes, an indoor grill pan works perfectly and gives those classic grill marks and a nice smoky flavor without firing up an outdoor grill.
Is the tzatziki sauce difficult to make?
Not at all! It comes together quickly by mixing just a few fresh ingredients. Grating and squeezing the cucumber helps prevent the sauce from being watery and keeps it wonderfully creamy.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making tzatziki a few hours ahead improves its flavor as all the ingredients meld together. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is such a beloved classic—it’s vibrant, fresh, and full of harmony between bold citrus, savory herbs, and creamy yogurt sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or your next weekend BBQ showstopper, I promise you’ll enjoy every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and bring a little taste of Greek sunshine to your table!
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Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are a perfectly balanced Mediterranean dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, these skewers combine zesty lemon, oregano, and garlic flavors for a vibrant taste experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Chill the sauce until ready to serve to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto wooden or metal skewers, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with visible grill marks and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce alongside for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a fresh side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
