Mediterranean Greek-Style Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki, Cucumber & Lemon
This dish captures the heart of Greek cuisine — juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served with creamy homemade tzatziki, crisp cucumber, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
⏱️ Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (1 hour with marination)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional but traditional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional but great for aroma)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
1 fresh cucumber, sliced
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley or mint leaves (for garnish)
Optional: warm pita bread or lemon rice
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken and coat it evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
1. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess water using a towel or paper napkin.
2. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill/mint, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well and chill in the fridge until serving.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
3. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
Step 4: Serve
Arrange sliced grilled chicken on a plate with cucumber slices, a generous scoop of tzatziki, and lemon wedges.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes & Tips
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling.
You can also cook it on a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Tzatziki can be made a day ahead for a stronger flavor.
️ Serving Ideas
Serve with lemon rice, roasted vegetables, or a Greek salad.
Wrap it in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and onions for a Greek-style gyro wrap.