There is something irresistibly charming about Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, and this Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe captures that magic perfectly. The juicy, tender chicken infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, while the refreshing tzatziki adds a delightful tangy contrast. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend barbecue, this dish brings vibrant flavors and easy elegance to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering authentic taste, luscious texture, and that signature Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star that brightens and tenderizes the chicken with its tangy freshness.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic depth, enhancing the marinade’s complexity.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking.
- Garlic (grated or minced): Brings savory warmth to both marinade and sauce.
- Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that delivers earthy, aromatic notes.
- Dried parsley: Adds a mild freshness that balances the stronger herbs.
- Ground cumin and coriander: Impart subtle warmth and a hint of exotic spice.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify all other flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base, cut into perfect bite-sized cubes.
- English cucumber (shredded or diced): Brings cool crispness and texture to the tzatziki.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy, tangy base for the traditional tzatziki sauce.
- Chopped fresh dill: A fragrant herb that elevates the sauce with bright, herbaceous notes.
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, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend of zesty, herbal, and warm spices is key to infusing the chicken with that unmistakable Mediterranean taste.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or even better, overnight. This step allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, ensuring each skewer bursts with juicy, aromatic goodness.
Step 3: Preheat the grill or broiler
Get your grill heated up or preheat the broiler to high so your chicken cooks quickly and gains those beautiful charred edges reminiscent of a traditional Greek taverna.
Step 4: Thread and cook the chicken skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Grill or broil them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. This caramelization adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the lemon and herbs.
Step 5: Prepare the tzatziki sauce
While the chicken is cooking, start your tzatziki. Place the shredded cucumber in a fine mesh strainer or a clean towel and squeeze out any excess liquid; this prevents your sauce from becoming watery.
Step 6: Mix the tzatziki ingredients
Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the drained cucumber and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and fresh—an essential complement to your sizzling skewers.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a scattering of freshly chopped dill and a few lemon wedges for an extra pop of brightness. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on the side can also add a delightful salty counterpoint.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with fluffy pita bread, a crisp Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion, or a warm couscous salad tossed with herbs and lemon zest. These sides round out the meal and offer a balanced, vibrant plate full of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the skewers on a large platter lined with fresh greens and dollops of tzatziki sauce. You can also serve them alongside a variety of dips and mezze for a fun communal dining experience. Wrapping the chicken pieces in warm pita with tzatziki and veggies makes for a delicious handheld treat perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers – lucky you! Store the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to maintain its fresh, creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken cubes on skewers for up to one month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. It’s a great way to prep ahead for busy days without compromising on flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your cooked skewers gently in a grill pan or oven to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the chicken rubbery. Serve fresh tzatziki alongside after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and marinate just the same. Cooking time may be slightly shorter due to higher fat content.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning during cooking. If you use metal skewers, this step isn’t necessary.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt. Just pick an unsweetened variety and adjust garlic and lemon to taste to keep the fresh, tangy profile.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least one hour but can sit up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more infused with flavor it becomes without losing texture.
Can I cook these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! Using a broiler or a grill pan on your stovetop works wonderfully, giving the chicken nice char marks and keeping it juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a personal favorite of mine that never fails to bring joy to the table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and quick enough to enjoy any day of the week. I encourage you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and savor the bright tastes of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen.
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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 marinated with vibrant herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade Tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. This dish is a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors ideal for a light and flavorful meal.
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
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts into the marinade and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Prepare for grilling: Preheat your grill or oven broiler to a medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken skewers: Grill or broil the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char on the edges for that authentic grilled flavor.
- Prepare the cucumber: Place the shredded cucumber into a fine mesh strainer or wrap it in a clean towel, then squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice from half a lemon, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Combine cucumber and yogurt mixture: Stir in the drained shredded cucumber until well incorporated. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve with the grilled chicken skewers.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper taste penetration.
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
- If you don’t have access to a grill or broiler, you can also cook the chicken skewers on a stovetop grill pan.
- Adjust garlic quantity in the tzatziki sauce according to your taste preference.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
