Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Fire up the grill for these juicy and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce! Marinated in a blend of herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon, the tender chicken is perfectly grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for the ultimate flavor combo.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat evenly, and cover with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess liquid with a towel. Mix cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (flavors develop more over time).
- Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Step 4: Serve: Place skewers on a platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve with tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges. Optional: pair with pita, rice, or a Mediterranean salad.