Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken marinated in zesty greek lemon chicken skewers bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs infuse each tender morsel with irresistible charm.

The marinade penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite delivers explosive taste.

Fragrant garlic and oregano complement the tangy lemon, creating a symphony of traditional Greek seasonings.

Grilled to perfection, these skewers offer a delightful char that elevates the entire dish.

Served alongside cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this recipe promises a refreshing culinary journey that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.

Prepare to savor an authentic Mediterranean delight that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 23 minutes

Total Time: 53 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside Lemon Chicken Skewers & Tzatziki

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs zesty Mediterranean flavors beautifully, selecting fresh and trimmed cuts ensures tender results.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus component that tenderizes meat and adds vibrant tanginess, choosing fresh lemons provides maximum flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy liquid that enhances marinade complexity and helps break down protein fibers, selecting high-quality vinegar elevates dish.
• Olive Oil: Rich Mediterranean base that keeps chicken moist and carries herb flavors, using extra virgin variety brings authentic taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing deep savory undertones, selecting fresh cloves guarantees maximum pungency.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley: Traditional Greek herbs that infuse authentic Mediterranean essence, choosing recently packaged herbs ensures potent flavor.
• Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander: Warm spices adding depth and complexity to marinade, selecting whole seeds and grinding fresh provides most intense profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile, selecting freshly cracked black pepper recommended.

• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable providing refreshing texture, selecting firm and seedless varieties works best.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base creating smooth sauce consistency, choosing full-fat version ensures rich taste.
• Lemon Juice, Dill, Garlic: Bright, herbaceous components adding layers of flavor, selecting fresh ingredients crucial.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings harmonizing sauce ingredients, adjusting to personal taste preference.

• Wooden Skewers: Essential tool for cooking an.

Skewer Tools for Juicy Chicken and Sauce

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking marinade and coating chicken evenly.
• Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels: Perfect for squeezing moisture from cucumber.
• Medium Bowl: Used for preparing tzatziki sauce.
• Skewers (wooden or metal): Crucial for grilling chicken pieces.
• Grater: Needed for grating garlic.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping dill and handling ingredients.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Primary cooking surface for chicken skewers.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning skewers on the grill.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Grill Lemon Chicken Skewers Perfectly

• Craft the Flavor Bath

Mix a zesty blend of tangy lemon, rich olive oil, and aromatic herbs to bathe the chicken. Let the meat soak up the Mediterranean magic for an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

• Whip Up Cool Tzatziki

Squeeze excess liquid from cucumber, then blend with creamy yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. This refreshing sauce will be your flavor companion, waiting patiently in the fridge.

• Fire Up the Grill

Slide marinated chicken chunks onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Sear these beauties over medium-high flames, turning occasionally until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach perfect doneness.

• Serve with Flair

Plate the sizzling skewers straight from the grill, nestling them beside the cool, creamy tzatziki. Each bite promises a burst of sunny Greek flavors that transport you to a coastal Mediterranean paradise.

Tzatziki Sauce Tips and Lemon Chicken Ideas

• Use metal skewers or double-layer wooden skewers to prevent chicken from spinning and ensure even cooking.
• Replace traditional serving with cauliflower rice or serve over a crisp Greek salad for a lighter meal option.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the marinade for an extra bright, citrusy punch that elevates the entire dish's aromatic profile.
• Prepare marinade and tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious preparation time on cooking day.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu, halloumi cheese, or portobello mushroom chunks, maintaining the same delicious Greek-inspired marinade and grilling method.

Serve This Greek Combo Like a Feast

• Rustic Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a large wooden board with fresh pita bread, olives, sliced cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese for a stunning family-style presentation.
• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack the skewers and tzatziki sauce in separate containers for an easy outdoor meal. Pair with a crisp Greek salad and chilled white wine for a perfect picnic spread.
• Hearty Meal Builder: Serve the skewers over fluffy rice or wrapped in warm pita bread. Drizzle extra tzatziki sauce on top and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added freshness.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut the skewered chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks. Offer the tzatziki sauce as a dipping sauce alongside other Mediterranean-inspired small bites for a crowd-pleasing appetizer selection.

Storage Tips That Keep It Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated skewers stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap individual skewers in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken skewers remain tasty for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Keep tzatziki sauce in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and creamy consistency. Stir gently before serving to restore original texture.
• Warm refrigerated skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent chicken from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture during reheating.

Tangy Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling Greek lemon chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors dancing onto your plate with zesty marinades and fresh herbs. Crisp tzatziki sauce provides cool contrast, inviting you to savor Greece’s delightful culinary tradition in every juicy, herb-infused bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ large cucumber, shredded
• 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, 2%, or whole)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp grated garlic (increase to 1 tsp for stronger flavor)
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marination Prep: Whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Immerse chicken cubes completely, ensuring thorough coating. Seal and refrigerate for 1-3 hours to infuse robust Mediterranean flavors.
2. Tzatziki Creation: Extract maximum moisture from shredded cucumber using a kitchen towel. Blend drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Chill sauce to enhance taste and consistency.
3. Skewer Assembly and Grilling: Saturate wooden skewers in water to prevent charring. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers uniformly. Heat grill to medium-high, lightly oil grates to prevent adhesion. Grill skewers 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) and chicken appears fully cooked with no pink centers.
4. Presentation: Allow grilled skewers to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute. Plate chicken skewers alongside chilled tzatziki sauce, creating a vibrant and appetizing Greek-inspired meal.

Notes

• Massage the marinade into chicken cubes thoroughly to ensure deep, even flavor penetration. Letting the chicken marinate longer intensifies the Greek-inspired taste profile.
• Keep a close eye on grilling time and temperature. Overcooking leads to tough, dry meat – aim for golden exterior and juicy interior by maintaining medium-high heat and turning skewers regularly.
• Removing excess liquid from cucumber is crucial for thick, creamy tzatziki. Press cucumber between towels with firm pressure to extract maximum water, creating a rich, authentic sauce texture.
• Ensure chicken pieces are similar size for uniform cooking. Leave small gaps between meat chunks on skewers to allow heat circulation, promoting even grilling and preventing raw center spots.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg