Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sides
These Mediterranean chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, the chicken is tender with a subtle smoky note. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is light, balanced, and versatile—ideal for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or a mezze-style spread.
Time:
Prep: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
Cook: 10–12 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika (optional)
½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint, optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix well, adjust seasoning, and chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Skewers:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.
Cook the Skewers:
Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Serve:
Arrange skewers on a platter with a bowl of tzatziki on the side.
Serve with warm pita bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Tips & Variations
Cooking Options:
If you don’t have a grill, cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add Vegetables to Skewers:
Thread bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or red onion pieces between the chicken chunks for extra flavor and color.
Make-Ahead Tzatziki:
Tzatziki tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a couple of hours. Prepare it ahead of time so the flavors develop.
Swap the Protein:
Try the same marinade with shrimp, lamb, or even halloumi cheese for a vegetarian twist.
Pita Pockets:
Stuff the chicken and tzatziki into pita pockets with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber for an easy wrap-style meal.
Spice Boost:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the marinade for a little heat.
Extra Freshness:
Sprinkle the skewers with fresh parsley, dill, or mint just before serving to brighten the dish.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare the chicken skewers in advance?
A: Yes. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: Can I make the tzatziki without dill?
A: Absolutely. If you don’t have dill, substitute with fresh mint, parsley, or even a little dried oregano.
Q: What can I serve alongside these skewers?
A: They pair well with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted vegetables, or even simple couscous.
Q: Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) for the tzatziki sauce.
Q: How long do leftovers keep?
A: Cooked chicken skewers can be refrigerated for 3 days. Tzatziki is best consumed within 2–3 days for freshness.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1 skewer + tzatziki)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 3 g
(Values will vary based on portion size, yogurt type, and any sides added.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki are a light, protein-rich meal that’s full of bright, fresh flavors. The combination of juicy marinated chicken and creamy, garlicky tzatziki makes this dish both satisfying and healthy. Whether served with warm pita, salad, or grains, it’s a versatile recipe that works well for quick weeknight dinners, family meals, or outdoor grilling.