Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice; Salt to taste

I fell in love with Greek cuisine the very first time I tried souvlaki from a little seaside taverna. The bright, zesty flavors paired with smoky grilled meat instantly transported me to the Mediterranean. That’s exactly the experience I wanted to recreate at home with these Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce. It’s a dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, but it feels vibrant and full of life. Every bite is loaded with lemony freshness, garlicky goodness, and that hint of char that only the grill can provide.

The best part? The cooling, herby tzatziki sauce that comes with it. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally addictive—perfect for drizzling over the skewers or just swiping your pita bread through. I often make this dish for dinner parties or lazy weekend cookouts because it’s so easy to prep ahead and always gets rave reviews. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Bold, bright flavors: The marinade is packed with lemon, garlic, and herbs, making every bite pop.
Super easy to prep: Just marinate, skewer, and grill.
Perfect for entertaining: It looks impressive but takes minimal effort.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, pita, salad, or as part of a mezze platter.
Healthy and satisfying: Lean chicken breast and yogurt-based sauce keep it light but filling.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers?

I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are lean and cook quickly, giving you that perfect juicy texture when marinated properly. Thighs, on the other hand, are more forgiving and offer extra flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Either one works beautifully—it all depends on your preference for texture and taste. Just be sure to cut the chicken into even-sized chunks so they grill evenly.

Options for Substitutions

Sometimes you have to work with what’s in the fridge, and that’s totally fine. Here are a few easy swaps that keep the spirit of the dish alive:

Chicken substitute: Try turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Yogurt: No Greek yogurt? Use plain regular yogurt—just strain it a bit to thicken.
Herbs: Fresh oregano is ideal, but dried oregano or a mix of Italian herbs also works.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are best, but garlic powder can stand in during a pinch.
Lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice is okay, though fresh is always more vibrant.
Skewers: Wooden or metal—just soak wooden ones in water if you’re grilling.

These swaps make it easy to adapt the recipe without losing its signature Greek flavor.

Ingredients for These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – These are the stars of the show, offering tender bites that absorb the marinade beautifully.
Fresh lemon juice – Brings brightness and tang, essential to that signature Greek flavor.
Olive oil – Helps the marinade coat the chicken and adds richness.
Garlic cloves – Crushed or minced, they deliver bold, savory depth.
Dried oregano – Adds earthy, Mediterranean flair that pairs perfectly with lemon and garlic.
Salt and black pepper – Seasoning the chicken from the inside out.
Greek yogurt – The creamy base for the tzatziki sauce; thick and tangy.
Cucumber – Shredded and squeezed dry, it gives tzatziki its cool, refreshing texture.
Fresh dill – A herb that gives the tzatziki its classic flavor; light and aromatic.
White vinegar or lemon juice (for the sauce) – Balances the creaminess with acidity.
Garlic (again for the sauce) – Just a little raw garlic goes a long way in tzatziki.
Salt – Enhances the sauce’s flavors and keeps it from tasting flat.

These ingredients come together in a way that tastes fresh, balanced, and full of character.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into evenly sized 1.5-inch chunks. In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though 2–3 hours is even better for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber, then use a clean towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Mix it with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until creamy and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, spacing them just enough so each piece gets good grill exposure. Don’t pack them too tightly or they’ll steam instead of sear.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the hot grates and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked on the inside (internal temp should hit 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Once grilled, remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce or serve it on the side. Add a few lemon wedges for squeezing and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like.

How Long to Cook the Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers

Cooking these skewers is quick and simple. On a medium-high grill, they take about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Turn them every 2–3 minutes to ensure even grilling and that golden char on all sides. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is your safe zone for perfectly cooked chicken.

Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers

Marinate longer: A longer marination (up to 3 hours) makes the chicken juicier and more flavorful.
Cut evenly: Uniform chicken pieces mean even cooking and no dry bits.
Soak wooden skewers: If you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give the skewers space to cook properly and develop that beautiful char.
Use high heat: Medium-high to high heat gives the chicken that slightly crispy edge while sealing in moisture.
Rest before serving: Let the cooked skewers rest for 2–3 minutes off the heat so the juices can redistribute.

These little details make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are the common pitfalls to avoid:

Skipping the marinade time: A short soak won’t do much—give the chicken time to absorb flavor.
Overcrowding the skewers: Pressing the pieces too tightly means uneven cooking and no grill marks.
Using high heat without watching: While a hot grill is key, too high without supervision can burn the chicken.
Not drying the cucumber: For the tzatziki, squeezing the cucumber dry is crucial. Otherwise, the sauce turns watery.
Using low-fat yogurt: You’ll lose that rich, creamy tzatziki texture—full-fat is best.
Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned chicken or sauce will taste flat, so taste as you go.

What to Serve With Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers?

Warm Pita Bread

Soft and lightly toasted pita is perfect for wrapping around the skewers or scooping up tzatziki.

Greek Salad

Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta with olive oil and oregano make a refreshing side.

Lemon Herb Rice

A simple rice dish with lemon zest and fresh herbs pairs beautifully with the grilled flavors.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden potatoes seasoned with lemon and garlic echo the dish’s flavors.

Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion grilled alongside the skewers are colorful and tasty.

Hummus and Olives

For a full mezze-style spread, add a bowl of hummus and an assortment of briny olives.

Tabbouleh

This parsley-heavy bulgur salad adds a bright, herby balance to the rich chicken and yogurt.

Storage Instructions

Storing leftovers is easy and they reheat well for future meals:

Chicken skewers: Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tzatziki sauce: Keep it in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Stir before serving as it may separate slightly.
Freezing: You can freeze the grilled chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on a pan or in the oven.

Avoid freezing the tzatziki—yogurt-based sauces don’t hold up well after thawing.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general idea per serving (assuming about 4 servings total):

Calories: ~320
Protein: 34g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 430mg

This estimate includes the chicken skewers and a portion of tzatziki sauce, making it a high-protein, low-carb, and relatively light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook these skewers without a grill?

Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop or even a broiler in the oven works well. Just be sure to preheat and monitor closely for browning.

How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and covered. Don’t go beyond that or the lemon may start to “cook” the meat.

What can I use instead of dill in tzatziki?

Mint is a great alternative if you don’t have dill. It offers a cool freshness that pairs nicely with cucumber and yogurt.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the chicken and tzatziki are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free sides or bread.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, but expect a different flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No problem—just cook the marinated chicken pieces directly on a grill or in a skillet until browned and cooked through.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Can I use this marinade on other meats?

Absolutely! It’s fantastic on lamb, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are the kind of meal that feels like a getaway to the Mediterranean—even if you’re just cooking in your backyard. The combination of citrusy, herby grilled chicken and the creamy, tangy tzatziki is irresistible and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish brings fresh, bold flavors to the table with minimal effort. Give it a try once, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.