Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

  • The marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and classic Greek herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, coriander) infuses the chicken with bold Mediterranean flavour.

  • Skewering the chicken and vegetables means everything cooks together, giving you a colourful, one-dish meal that’s fun and visually appealing.

  • With fresh veggies like zucchini, red bell pepper and red onion, it’s a balanced meal with lean protein and produce.

  • The tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast to the grilled chicken and veggies — perfect for dipping.

  • It’s versatile: you can grill or bake, choose your favourite veggies, and serve on skewers, in wraps or over rice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into ~1 ¼‑inch cubes
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, divided
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, divided
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large red bell peppers, diced into ~1 ¼‑inch pieces
3 small zucchini (nearly 1 lb), sliced into rounds slightly under ½‑inch thick
1 large red onion, diced into ~1 ¼‑inch wedges

Tzatziki Sauce
Plain Greek yogurt
Cucumber
Garlic
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, thyme, coriander, salt, and pepper.

  2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 2 hours.

  3. Meanwhile, toss the vegetables with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining oregano and basil, and salt to taste.

  4. Thread skewers alternating red bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and 2 pieces of marinated chicken. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

  5. Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush grill grates with oil, then cook skewers for 8–12 minutes, turning once, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

  6. For baking: preheat oven to 400°F. Lay skewers on a greased baking sheet and bake for 16–22 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

  7. Prepare tzatziki sauce while skewers cook.

  8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and a side of tzatziki sauce.

Servings and timing

Makes: approximately 9–10 kebabs
Prep time: about 30 minutes (plus 45 minutes to 2 hours marinating time)
Cook time: 8–12 minutes (grill) or 16–22 minutes (oven)
Total active time (excluding marinating): 40–45 minutes

Variations

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more richness.

  • Add or swap vegetables like mushrooms, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant.

  • For a low-carb version, skip the grains and pair with a Greek salad.

  • Use an indoor grill pan or air fryer if cooking indoors.

  • Make it vegetarian with marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms.

  • Use fresh oregano and basil in place of dried for stronger herb flavour.

  • Make-ahead tip: use leftovers in wraps or on salads for easy lunch options.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Let cooked skewers cool, then remove ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave until warmed through. Drizzle with olive oil or lemon juice if needed.

  • Meal prep tip: Keep tzatziki sauce separate from the skewers to maintain freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I skip marinating the chicken?

It’s possible, but the marinade adds essential flavour and tenderness. Without it, the chicken may be less juicy and flavourful.

2. What if I don’t have zucchini or red bell pepper?

Substitute with other veggies like mushrooms, yellow squash, eggplant, or green bell pepper — just cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.

3. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made several hours in advance and refrigerated. Stir before serving.

4. Are wooden skewers safe to grill?

Yes, but soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

5. Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes — bake at 400°F for 16–22 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer — the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally and juices run clear.

7. What sides go well with these kebabs?

Serve with pita bread, orzo, couscous, rice pilaf, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes.

8. Can I prep everything ahead and cook later?

Yes, marinate the chicken, chop the veggies, and even thread the skewers ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

9. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check that your yogurt and vinegar are gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce are bursting with bold Mediterranean flavours, fresh vegetables, and juicy grilled chicken. Whether you’re entertaining or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is flexible, delicious, and satisfying. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy a fresh, wholesome meal with minimal effort.


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Greek Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce


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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 32 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Greek Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce are marinated in a lemony herb and garlic mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection and served with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki. A healthy, flavorful Mediterranean dish ideal for weeknight dinners or summer grilling.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • Wood or metal skewers
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for tzatziki)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 1–4 hours.
  3. While chicken marinates, prepare tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Thread marinated chicken, onion, and bell peppers alternately onto skewers.
  6. Grill kebabs for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
  7. Serve hot with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor; up to 4 hours is ideal.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
  • Serve with warm pita bread or over rice for a full meal.
  • Store leftover tzatziki in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • If you don’t have a grill, these kebabs can also be broiled or cooked on a grill pan.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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