Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Name: Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lbs ½; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Wooden or metal skewers; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges; Fresh dill or parsley; Drizzle of olive oil

Stella Parker

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Few dishes capture the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean cuisine quite like Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce. Juicy, tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs are grilled to smoky perfection and served with a cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce.

This recipe beautifully balances freshness, zest, and heartiness — every bite bursts with the warmth of grilled meat and the refreshing tang of Greek-style sauce. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a summer gathering, family barbecue, or casual dinner party.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings the authentic taste of the Mediterranean coast to my own kitchen. The marinated chicken is flavorful, tender, and smoky, while the tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing contrast that elevates each bite.

It’s a dish that’s not only healthy and protein-packed but also bursting with bright, fresh flavors. Whether served over rice, tucked into pita, or enjoyed on its own, it feels like a mini vacation to Greece every time I make it.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Quick to Prepare, Impressive Results: A short marinating time delivers huge flavor payoff.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of herbs, lemon, and garlic perfectly complements the grilled meat.
Balanced & Refreshing: The cool tzatziki sauce offsets the warm, smoky skewers.
Healthy & Light: Packed with protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, main course, or party platter.

It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality flavor when treated with care.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1–2 hours (recommended)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~340 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 2 tsp fresh chopped oregano)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
½ medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or mint)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Lemon wedges
Fresh dill or parsley
Drizzle of olive oil

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) to allow flavors to develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the skewers to a serving plate.
Drizzle with olive oil and serve hot with chilled tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges.

How to Serve

Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce as:

Wrapped in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Over a bed of basmati or herbed rice for a hearty meal.
Alongside Greek salad and roasted vegetables.
With lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra freshness.

Perfect for outdoor barbecues, dinner parties, or light summer lunches.

Recipe Tips

Marinate longer for deeper flavor: Overnight marination gives the best results.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers: This ensures even cooking and better browning.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Let the chicken rest: After grilling, rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Make tzatziki ahead: The sauce tastes even better after chilling for an hour or more.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Herb Lovers’ Version
Incorporate chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a more aromatic flavor.
Coconut-Lime Twist
Replace lemon juice with lime and olive oil with coconut oil for a tropical touch.
Vegetable Skewers Mix
Add bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions on the same skewer for color and variety.
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for ultra-tender meat and tangy flavor.
Air Fryer Version
Cook skewers in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:
Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tzatziki sauce keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Freezing:
Freeze uncooked marinated chicken (without the sauce) in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating:
Reheat cooked skewers in an oven or skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Cutting board and sharp knife
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Tongs
Grater (for cucumber)

Conclusion

Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce is a dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking — fresh, flavorful, and wholesome. The chicken is perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing and creamy counterpoint.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner, or simply craving something vibrant and healthy, this dish is a must-try favorite. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s proof that simple recipes can create extraordinary meals.