Description
These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender chicken breast cubes are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection and served alongside a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. Perfect for a light and satisfying main course that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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
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
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers
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. This mixture creates a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with rich Mediterranean flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors, or up to 2 hours for a deeper taste.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast to the grilled chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat ensuring it’s hot enough to give the chicken beautiful grill marks and a smoky flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers evenly, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure each side is evenly cooked and slightly charred. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and be cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce. Pair with pita bread and a fresh side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor.
- For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a side Greek salad to make this a full, satisfying meal.
