Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 wooden or metal skewers; For the Tzatziki Sauce:; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

The yogurt-lemon marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps lock in moisture, so the chicken stays juicy rather than drying out.
Grilling chunks of chicken on skewers gives more surface area to sear, producing beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
The accompanying tzatziki sauce — creamy yogurt blended with garlic, lemon, and cucumber — adds a cool, refreshing contrast that pairs perfectly with the warm grilled chicken.
It’s relatively quick: active prep and cook time are modest, making it practical for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend grill.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
salt
plain yogurt
garlic, minced
fresh oregano (or dried oregano)
freshly ground black pepper
lemon juice
extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
lemons, thinly sliced

Tzatziki:
plain yogurt
garlic, minced
kosher salt
black pepper
lemon juice
cucumber, peeled and grated

Directions

If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water while you prepare the recipe. Use 4 flat skewers or 8 regular round ones.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1½‑ to 2‑inch chunks. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Add yogurt, garlic, oregano, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir to combine and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce: mix yogurt with garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture, and stir it into the yogurt mixture.
Prepare the grill for direct high heat. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, folding a thin lemon slice between each piece.
Brush the grill grates with olive oil. Lightly oil the skewers. Grill the skewers over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Remove from the grill and serve hot with tzatziki sauce.

Servings and timing

Yields: 3 to 4 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour

Variations

Use chicken thighs for added juiciness and flavor.
Alternate chicken with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or red onions on the skewers.
Add fresh dill or parsley to the marinade for herbal depth.
Replace some lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven at low heat to maintain moisture.
Store tzatziki in a separate container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir before using again.

FAQs

How can I tell when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

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

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay even juicier than breasts.

Do I really need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking prevents them from burning on the grill.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time (e.g. marinate overnight)?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Keep it refrigerated while marinating.

What if I don’t have access to a grill?

A grill pan or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat works just as well.

Can I make the tzatziki without cucumber?

Yes, but it will lose the classic texture and freshness cucumber provides.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

Use the yogurt marinade and grill over high heat for a short time to lock in moisture.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are great choices. Consider skewering separately if their cooking times vary.

Is tzatziki healthy?

Yes, it’s made with plain yogurt, garlic, lemon, and cucumber — light, refreshing, and full of nutrients.

What to serve with these skewers?

Try rice pilaf, pita bread, grilled vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings Mediterranean freshness to your table. With juicy grilled chicken and a creamy, garlicky sauce, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings. The simple ingredients and fast prep make this a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce