Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki
Tender chicken pieces are marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled until charred and smoky. Paired with creamy tzatziki, these skewers are fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Serve with pita, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Tzatziki
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated & squeezed of excess water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
To Serve
Warm pita bread
Fresh salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions)
Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt & pepper.
Add chicken pieces, toss well, cover, and marinate 30 minutes to 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki
In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill/mint, salt & pepper.
Mix well, chill until serving.
3. Grill the Skewers
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and charred.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over skewers before serving.
4. Serve
Arrange skewers on a platter with tzatziki, pita, and salad.
Notes & Tips
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either works well.
Add veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, onions) to skewers for extra color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes! Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, finishing under the broiler for a charred effect.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — marinate chicken in advance, cook skewers, and store in the fridge. They reheat well in a skillet or oven.
Q: What sides go best?
Greek salad, roasted potatoes, couscous, or tabbouleh are all perfect pairings.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 17 g
Carbs: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g