Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

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Zesty, juicy, and kissed by the grill—Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are everything you want in a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a lively blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and golden sear. The cooling and creamy tzatziki drizzle made with fresh cucumber, dill, and Greek yogurt adds a tangy balance, making every bite vibrant and satisfying.

This dish isn’t just a treat for the tastebuds—it’s an experience. Each skewer is packed with bold flavors, simple ingredients, and rustic charm. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or part of a mezze platter for guests, these chicken skewers bring both comfort and brightness to the table. They’re easy to prepare yet feel elevated, with that unmistakable Greek flair.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

• Bold Mediterranean Flavor: The lemon, garlic, and herb marinade infuses the chicken with unmistakable Greek zest.
• Quick Cooking Time: Grilling the skewers takes just minutes, making it an ideal fast meal option.
• Healthy and Fresh: Lean protein paired with a light yogurt sauce keeps things nutritious without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for lunch bowls, wraps, BBQs, or dinner parties.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The marinade and tzatziki can be prepped in advance to save time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Their Importance)

Before diving into the marinating and grilling process, gather your tools to streamline the cooking experience and ensure great results.

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for marinating the chicken and a smaller one for making the tzatziki sauce. Non-reactive bowls (glass or stainless steel) are ideal for citrus-based marinades.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for cutting chicken into even cubes, which promotes uniform cooking.
• Cutting Board: A dedicated board for raw poultry helps avoid cross-contamination. Opt for plastic or other easily sanitized surfaces.
• Grater or Zester: Useful for zesting the lemon and grating the cucumber for tzatziki.
• Skewers: Wooden skewers work well but should be soaked in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and offer consistent grilling.
• Grill or Grill Pan: A charcoal or gas grill gives smoky depth, but a stovetop grill pan works excellently indoors.
• Tongs: For flipping the skewers without piercing the chicken, helping keep juices locked in.

Having the right tools on hand ensures your preparation is efficient, clean, and safe—from slicing the meat to laying those golden-brown skewers on the grill.

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Preparation Tips

• Marinate in Advance: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight in the fridge. This builds deep flavor and tenderizes the meat.
• Even Sizing Matters: Cut the chicken into uniform chunks so everything cooks at the same rate.
• Drain the Cucumber: Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber before adding it to the tzatziki. This keeps the sauce creamy and not watery.
• Preheat the Grill: Ensure the grill or grill pan is fully hot before placing the skewers down to get a good sear and prevent sticking.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly brush with oil to make flipping easy and prevent tearing the meat.

These small preparation steps help deliver a restaurant-quality finish without the fuss.

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Ingredients for This Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful and refreshing dish. These ingredients are easy to find and combine to deliver that classic Greek taste.

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional for Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra chopped parsley
• Warm pita or flatbread

This ingredient list balances citrusy zing, creamy freshness, and herby brightness—everything you’d expect from a Mediterranean classic.

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Add the cubed chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

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Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

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Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

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Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve hot with optional warm pita or flatbread.

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Notes

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs offer juicier results and are slightly more forgiving on the grill, but breasts are leaner and just as flavorful when marinated well.
• Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: While dried oregano is traditional, adding some fresh dill or parsley at the end enhances aroma and presentation.
• Tzatziki Variations: For extra tang, you can stir in a little red wine vinegar or add a pinch of mint for a cool twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Don’t rush the process—under-marinating leads to bland chicken. Give it at least 1 hour.
• Uneven Chicken Pieces: Irregular sizes result in uneven cooking, with some pieces overcooked while others remain underdone.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Leave small gaps between pieces on the skewer so the heat can circulate evenly.
• Grilling on Low Heat: This prevents proper searing and can dry out the chicken. Use medium-high heat for the perfect char.
• Not Draining the Cucumber: If you skip this step, the tzatziki will be watery and lose its creamy consistency.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Grill: A hot grill is essential to achieving that delicious char and avoiding meat sticking to the surface.

Avoiding these common slip-ups ensures your skewers come out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

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What to Serve With Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce?

Pairing this dish with complementary sides brings out the full Mediterranean experience. Whether you’re crafting a spread for guests or plating a solo meal, these additions will elevate your skewers to something truly memorable.

8 Recommendations

1. Greek Salad

A fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed in olive oil and oregano—crisp and zesty.

2. Lemon Herb Rice

Fluffy rice infused with lemon juice and chopped herbs makes a bright and comforting base for the skewers.

3. Grilled Pita Bread

Warm, slightly charred pita is perfect for wrapping the chicken and scooping up extra tzatziki.

4. Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Oregano

Golden and crispy potatoes, seasoned with classic Greek spices, offer a hearty and satisfying side.

5. Tabbouleh

This parsley-forward bulgur salad with tomatoes and lemon juice adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.

6. Hummus and Olives Platter

Creamy hummus paired with a variety of olives creates a Mediterranean appetizer board vibe.

7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)

Tangy, herb-stuffed grape leaves add depth and texture to the meal.

8. Quinoa Feta Bowl

A protein-packed side with nutty quinoa, crumbled feta, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes—simple and nutrient-rich.

Each of these sides adds color, texture, and flavor to round out your Greek-themed meal beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers and Tzatziki store well and taste just as great the next day.

• Chicken Skewers: Remove the chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some water separation may occur naturally.
• Freezing Tip: While the tzatziki does not freeze well due to its yogurt base, the marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw before grilling.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~330 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 520mg

These values are approximate and based on standard portions with tzatziki. Using chicken breast and low-fat yogurt can further reduce fat content if desired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, making them ideal for grilling.

2. Can I cook the skewers in the oven instead of on a grill?

Yes, bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for some char.

3. How long can I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, marinate for at least 1 hour. You can go up to 24 hours for deeper flavor, but avoid longer to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

4. What can I use if I don’t have skewers?

You can grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill or use a grill basket. Sautéing in a pan also works in a pinch.

5. Is there a dairy-free option for tzatziki?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with a thick coconut or almond milk yogurt. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki a day ahead. Just grill the chicken fresh before serving for best texture.

7. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about a third as they are more concentrated.

8. How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or top the finished dish with chili oil for a spicy twist.

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Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings sunshine to your table no matter the season. With its balance of zesty marinade, juicy grilled chicken, and cooling tzatziki, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a wholesome family dinner, this Mediterranean favorite delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Enjoy it with a spread of simple sides or wrap it in pita for a handheld delight—either way, it’s bound to impress.

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