Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken marinated in tangy lemon and herbs pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for grilling)
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cucumber, peeled and grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine salt, yogurt, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Step 3: For the tzatziki sauce, squeeze excess water from the grated cucumber. Mix the cucumber with yogurt, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with lemon slices for added flavor.
6. Step 6: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. Step 7: Serve the skewers hot, accompanied by the chilled tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors without compromising texture.
• Serve the skewers with warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
• Tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrigerate tzatziki sauce separately and use within 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or serve cold if preferred. Avoid reheating tzatziki to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for the skewers?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can also be used for juicier results. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling and brush the grill grates with olive oil before cooking. This helps reduce sticking and makes turning easier.

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or light dinners, this recipe combines zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and creamy Greek yogurt for a delicious Mediterranean experience.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 59 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for grilling)
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cucumber, peeled and grated

Instructions

1. Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2. Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, yogurt, garlic, oregano, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add trimmed chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse flavors.
3. Make Tzatziki Sauce: Squeeze excess water from the grated cucumber using a clean cloth or paper towel. In a separate bowl, mix the drained cucumber with plain yogurt, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Chill the sauce until ready to serve for best flavor.
4. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with thin lemon slices for added flavor and moisture.
6. Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
7. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot alongside chilled tzatziki sauce, perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
• Serve with pita bread, salad, or rice to complete the meal.
• Tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.

Keywords: Greek chicken skewers, lemon chicken, grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean recipe, healthy grilling, summer recipes