Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce*! They’re like a little taste of the Mediterranean right in your backyard! The bright, zesty lemon combined with fragrant herbs and tender chicken is just heavenly. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a cozy taverna in Greece, and it completely blew my mind. The smoky aroma from the grill, the fresh tang of the tzatziki—wow! It’s a perfect summer meal, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! You’ll want to marinate the chicken so it absorbs all those delicious flavors, and trust me, the creamy tzatziki sauce is the cherry on top. Grab some skewers, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to bring these *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce* to life! I always recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor. It makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 lemons, juiced (fresh is best!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for the tzatziki)
Make sure to prep your skewers ahead of time—soaking them helps prevent burning on the grill! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce*! First up, marinating the chicken is key to infusing all those vibrant flavors. In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in, making sure they’re all well-coated. I like to let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, an hour is even better. It really lets those flavors soak in!
Marinating the Chicken
To get the most flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can, try to give it an hour or even longer for maximum deliciousness. Just remember to cover it tightly to keep everything fresh!
Assembling and Grilling the Skewers
Once your chicken is marinated and ready to go, it’s time to thread them onto the soaked wooden skewers. I like to alternate a few pieces of chicken to keep things visually interesting. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll want that beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, and the juices run clear—so satisfying!
Making the Tzatziki Sauce
Now, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water), chopped dill, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed well. The consistency should be creamy and thick, perfect for dipping! If it’s too thick, just add a splash of water or more lemon juice to loosen it up a bit.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce* turn out absolutely perfect! First, don’t skimp on the marinating time—let those flavors really soak into the chicken. If you can, use organic chicken breasts for a better taste and texture. When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated; this helps achieve that lovely char while keeping the chicken juicy. Keep a close eye on the skewers, turning them every few minutes for even cooking. And for serving, pair these skewers with warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce* is estimated to have about 280 calories, with 10 grams of fat and a whopping 36 grams of protein. You’ll also get around 6 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of just how nutritious and satisfying this dish can be. Perfect for a light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use other meats for the skewers?
Absolutely! While chicken is my go-to, you can use shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a delicious twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after the flavors meld!
What can I serve with the skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal experience!
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How long can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh, zesty flavors that transport you straight to Greece.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein and low in fat.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Perfect for grilling season and outdoor gatherings.
- Deliciously paired with creamy tzatziki for the ultimate dip!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly delightful meal experience with your *Greek lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce*, I recommend serving them alongside warm pita bread for that perfect scoop! A fresh Greek salad, loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully. You could also include some roasted vegetables or a side of fluffy rice to round out the meal. Trust me, this combination will have everyone coming back for seconds!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for a refreshing side dish!
Print
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs served with a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Grill skewers over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- For tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Serve chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with pita bread and salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with tzatziki
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: greek lemon chicken skewers, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken skewers
