Introduction

Mediterranean cuisine is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors—and Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce perfectly embodies that. Tender chunks of marinated chicken are grilled to juicy perfection on skewers, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. The result is smoky, savory, and zesty all at once. Served alongside cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, this dish is refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of Mediterranean eating: simple, healthy, and full of flavor. The chicken is marinated long enough to soak in every drop of lemon and herb goodness, ensuring it stays juicy when grilled. Pairing it with tzatziki sauce balances the smoky char of the chicken with a cool, tangy freshness that makes every bite feel light yet indulgent.

This is a Must Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s versatile and crowd-pleasing. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even elegant gatherings. Not only is it protein-packed and healthy, but it also feels like a small escape to the shores of Greece or the Mediterranean coast. Whether served with pita, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, it’s a dish that fits almost any occasion.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes active (1 hr 35 min including marination)
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~370 kcal per serving (with tzatziki)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish/Serving

• Fresh parsley or dill
• Warm pita bread
• Lemon wedges

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat evenly, and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess liquid with a towel.
2. Mix cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (flavors develop more over time).

Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Step 4: Serve

1. Place skewers on a platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve with tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges.
2. Optional: pair with pita, rice, or a Mediterranean salad.

Step-by-Step Simplified Method

1. Marinate chicken in lemon, oil, garlic, and herbs.
2. Make tzatziki by mixing yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve with sauce and sides.

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How to Serve

• Serve skewers hot, drizzled with extra lemon juice.
• Offer tzatziki as a dipping sauce or drizzle over chicken.
• Pair with warm pita bread, tabbouleh, Greek salad, or rice pilaf for a full Mediterranean meal.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t over-marinate chicken in lemon juice for longer than 4 hours, as the acid can toughen the meat.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers.
• Make tzatziki ahead of time—it tastes better after chilling for a couple of hours.
• For extra flavor, add red onion or bell pepper chunks to skewers.

Variations

• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with halloumi cheese or marinated veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for lamb, shrimp, or beef.
• Herb Boost: Add fresh mint or parsley to the tzatziki for a brighter taste.

Freezing and Storage

• Chicken: Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.
• Cooked Chicken: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Best fresh, but can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Not suitable for freezing (yogurt separates).

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Wooden/metal skewers
• Mixing bowls
• Grater (for cucumber)

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling?
Yes—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, marinate chicken overnight and prep tzatziki 1 day in advance. Grill when ready.

Q3: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Absolutely, but homemade always tastes fresher and more authentic.

Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, hummus, or couscous are excellent pairings.

Q5: How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) internal temperature is safe.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines smoky grilled chicken with refreshing, creamy sauce. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a summer barbecue feast. With its bold herbs, zesty lemon, and cool yogurt dip, this recipe brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.