There is something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and bright flavors of a perfectly grilled chicken skewer. The Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe brings that magic right to your kitchen with tender, lemony chicken marinated to perfection, paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce that is loaded with fresh cucumber and herbs. This dish offers a beautiful balance of zesty, garlicky, and herbal notes that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a flavorful weeknight meal, these skewers are a delicious way to enjoy the best of Greek-inspired cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor experience. Each element plays a key role—citrus brightens, herbs enhance, and the yogurt-based tzatziki offers a luscious complement to the grilled chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds essential acidity and brightness that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that deepens the marinade’s complexity.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and adds richness with a fruity note.
- Garlic (grated or minced): Packs a punch of savory heat that is classic in Greek cooking.
- Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, aromatic touch to the dish’s Mediterranean profile.
- Dried parsley: Adds a mild herbal freshness that balances the spices.
- Ground cumin and coriander: These warm spices lend subtle depth without overpowering the lemony flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein canvas that soaks up all those lively marinades.
- English cucumber (shredded or diced): Crisp and hydrating for the tzatziki, giving it lovely texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, it forms the perfect cooling sauce base.
- Fresh dill: Adds a distinctive fresh and slightly sweet herbal flavor to the sauce.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly grated garlic in a bowl. Then sprinkle in dried oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, along with salt and pepper. This combination marries bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and warm spices to create a marinade that your chicken will soak up beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. The magic happens when you cover it and refrigerate for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have extra time. This step tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with those phenomenal Greek flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill or Broiler and Skewer the Chicken
Preheat your grill or oven broiler to high heat—this ensures you get that desirable char and caramelization. While it warms up, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Skewers
Grill or broil the chicken skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so each side gets beautifully browned and cooked through. The edges should develop a slight char, offering a delicious smoky hint that complements the lemony marinade perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, focus on the refreshing tzatziki. Place the shredded cucumber in a fine mesh strainer or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze out every bit of excess moisture to avoid watery sauce. Next, combine plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the perfectly drained cucumber, then chill the sauce until the skewers are ready to serve.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop, garnish the skewers with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra dried oregano. A few lemon wedges on the side add a vibrant touch and let your guests add an extra squeeze of citrus if they desire. These finishing touches boost the freshness and visual appeal of this already colorful dish.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, Mediterranean accompaniments such as warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or even fluffy couscous. A simple Greek salad with feta and olives adds a satisfying crunch and balances the richness of the chicken and sauce. Don’t forget to serve extra tzatziki on the side—it’s perfect for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe as part of a DIY wrap station. Set out warm flatbreads, fresh veggies, and bowls of tzatziki so everyone can build their own gyro-style wraps. You can also thread chicken and veggies alternately on the skewers for an extra pop of color and flavor variety that’s perfect for sharing at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken skewers or tzatziki, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay moist and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, while the tzatziki sauce remains creamy and fresh for about 2 days. Keeping them apart prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The tzatziki sauce, however, does not freeze well due to the yogurt, so it’s best to prepare it fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the meat. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture tender. Serve immediately with freshly made or refrigerated tzatziki for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly on the skewers, and adjust cooking time as needed.
How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?
At minimum 1 hour will infuse good flavor, but marinating overnight makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and depth. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours to avoid the chicken becoming mushy from the acid.
Is it necessary to squeeze out the cucumber for the tzatziki?
Yes, it’s important to remove excess water from the cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery. A fine strainer or a clean towel works great to press out moisture while keeping the cucumber’s fresh texture.
Can I prepare the marinade and tzatziki sauce in advance?
Definitely! The marinade can be made a day ahead to save time, and the tzatziki sauce can be prepared a few hours beforehand and refrigerated. Just be sure to squeeze cucumber juice close to serving time for freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill for the tzatziki?
If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill can be used but use it sparingly as it has a stronger, more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, fresh mint or parsley can bring fresh herbaceous notes that complement the sauce nicely.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into juicy, tangy Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers paired with luscious, homemade tzatziki sauce. This recipe is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly. I encourage you to try the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe soon—you’ll find it’s not only easy to make but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little sunshine to any meal.
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Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce offer a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served alongside a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill.
Ingredients
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
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, thoroughly mixing the ingredients to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. For enhanced taste, marinate up to overnight.
- Preheat grill or broiler: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven broiler to a medium-high heat suitable for grilling the chicken skewers.
- Assemble and cook skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers evenly. Grill or broil the skewers for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve a slight char on the edges. Confirm the chicken is cooked through before removing.
- Prepare the cucumber: Place shredded cucumber into a fine mesh strainer or clean towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the drained cucumber, blending well to combine all flavors. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers alongside a generous serving of chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy this fresh and aromatic Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour for best flavor; overnight marination intensifies the taste.
- Use skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
- Adjust garlic quantity in tzatziki sauce according to preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Serve with warm pita bread or a side Greek salad to complement the meal.
- For a low-fat option, use non-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
