Save Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with these Light Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki. This dish captures the essence of coastal dining with bright, zesty flavors and the satisfying char of perfectly grilled chicken. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and cool, creamy tzatziki creates a harmonious balance that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Save What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
These skewers represent the heart of Mediterranean cooking—simple, fresh ingredients transformed through time-honored techniques. The marinade works its magic quickly, infusing the tender chicken with bright flavors while keeping it juicy through the grilling process. Meanwhile, the traditional tzatziki provides a cooling counterpoint that enhances every bite.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- For the Chicken Skewers:
- 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 250 g (1 cup) Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
- Make the tzatziki
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki: combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers.
- Grill to perfection
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve
- Remove skewers from grill and rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with chilled tzatziki, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to perfectly juicy chicken skewers lies in not overcooking them. Look for a slight char on the outside while maintaining moisture inside. If grilling outdoors isn't an option, these skewers can also be cooked under a broiler for about 5-6 minutes per side. For the tzatziki, be sure to squeeze as much liquid as possible from the cucumber to prevent a watery sauce.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer even juicier meat. Make it vegetarian by using firm tofu or halloumi cheese instead of chicken. For a dairy-free option, replace the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with coconut yogurt, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Serviervorschläge
These vibrant skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve alongside a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta for a complete Mediterranean meal. For a heartier option, add warm pita bread or a side of lemon herb rice. A simple side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complements the chicken perfectly.
Save These Light Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki are more than just a meal—they're a celebration of simple, clean flavors that nourish both body and spirit. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or preparing a weeknight dinner for the family, this dish brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, but up to 2 hours enhances the taste further.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for juicier, more flavorful skewers and may require slightly adjusted cooking times.
- → How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to minimize burning.
- → What is the best way to prepare the tzatziki sauce?
Combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until serving.
- → Can I add extra spices to the marinade?
Yes, adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade gives an extra layer of flavor and subtle heat.
