Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are one of my favorite fresh and flavorful meals. The chicken is marinated in bright lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to my table. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, quick dinners, or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with layers of flavor. The lemon and herbs brighten the chicken, while the tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast with cucumber and tangy yogurt. It’s light, healthy, and so satisfying. Plus, the skewers make it fun to eat and easy to serve with pita, salads, or rice.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Garlic (minced)

• Dried oregano

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt

• Cucumber (grated and drained)

• Garlic (minced)

• Fresh dill (chopped)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

directions

1. In a bowl, I combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

2. I toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

3. While the chicken marinates, I prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I chill it until ready to serve.

4. I thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.

5. I preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

6. I remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.

7. I serve the chicken skewers hot, accompanied by the chilled tzatziki sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and makes about 12–16 skewers depending on size. Prep and marinating take about 45 minutes (mostly hands-off), with 10–12 minutes cooking time.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped fresh mint or parsley to the tzatziki for extra freshness. Swapping chicken for lamb or shrimp works beautifully too. For a spicier kick, I mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade or tzatziki.

storage/reheating

Leftover chicken skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop. The tzatziki sauce stays fresh refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best served cold.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, I soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Can I make tzatziki without dill?

Yes, I’ve made it without dill—fresh mint or parsley are good alternatives.

How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be no longer pink inside.

Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?

Absolutely. I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are a fresh, vibrant dish I love making whenever I want bright, Mediterranean flavors. The juicy, lemony chicken combined with cool, creamy tzatziki creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, and always a crowd-pleaser.