You may not have known what your summer was missing, but now you know. These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are the ultimate easy grill-ready crowd pleaser that hits all the right notes.
Pair it with this cool Tzatziki Dip and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a new go-to summer dinner party staple.
Greek lemon chicken skewers
Greek food (and Mediterranean cuisine in general) is always good, but it really hits different in the summer. These wonderfully-spiced Greek lemon chicken skewers are emblematic of this bit of seasonal brilliance.
They’re fresh and light while packing some serious zing, and they’re a breeze to prepare and enjoy.
Greek lemon chicken with tzatziki sauce
These chicken skewers pair ICONICALLY with a delicious yogurt-based sauce known as Tzatziki. While the sauce is surprisingly versatile, in this recipe it takes the form of a refreshing dip that balances the big flavors of the chicken so well.
This is definitely one of those recipes that gets me hungry as I type it up…
Greek lemon chicken ingredients
Besides the chicken itself, this recipe is all about a one-stop marinade that provides the source of flavor and texture for these yummy skewers. Here’s what goes in:
- greek yogurt
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- paprika
- oregano
- salt
- dill
- thyme
- pepper
Tzatziki sauce ingredients
While yogurt forms the all-important base for the dip, it’s cucumber that takes a leading role in giving this dip it’s texture and cool flavor:
- grated cucumber
- greek yogurt
- olive oil
- dill
- lemon juice
- garlic
- sea salt
How to make greek lemon chicken skewers
If you give yourself a couple of hours before cooking to let the chicken get to know the marinade ingredients, you’ll be rewarded. However, don’t let your time stop you from throwing this together!
Here’s the full breakdown of the process:
- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Set aside.
- Add all of the chicken marinade ingredients to a small bowl. Mix well.
- Place the chicken marinade and chicken into a large ziploc bag. Shake well so the marinade covers all of the chicken.
- Let the bag of chicken sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Metal skewers work best. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 mins prior to chicken being done (this prevents the skewers from burning).
- Slide a few pieces of chicken onto each skewer.
- Place the chicken skewers onto a heated grill for 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat. Cook until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165 degrees) and yogurt is no longer wet. (Note: Depending on your grill type and distance from flame, greek yogurt may cause flare ups during the cooking process.)
- To portion, divide into 4ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 4.
- Serve with extra lemon and tzatziki sauce
How to make tzatziki sauce
The main part of this recipe involves removing moisture from grated cucumber. While something like a cheesecloth can aid in this process, it’s perfectly fine (and my preferred method) to use your bare hands. It’s kind of fun!
Here’s what’s involved:
- Use the large size holes of a grater to grate the cucumber. Take a handful of grated cucumber and squeeze it over the sink to remove extra moisture. Repeat this process with all of the cucumber and place into a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl with the cucumber. Mix well. Taste and add additional seasonings if desired.
- Chill for at least 15 mins before serving.
- To portion, divide into 4; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 4.
How to store greek lemon chicken skewers
This is one of the dishes I prefer to eat when I actually make it. There’s something special about getting skewers hot off the grill and enjoying them right away!
However, you could always let the chicken marinade for a longer window (think 24 hours) if you want to prep ahead of time.
How to store tzatziki sauce
This stuff keeps quite well, and you can keep it in any container of your choosing (I use a small Tupperware).
Are greek lemon chicken skewers healthy?
These skewers are definitely a healthy part of my nutrition plan. Super high in protein (from the chicken and the yogurt), relatively low and fat, and only a couple of carbs. I’ll bet they’ll fit in well with you too.
What goes with chicken skewers?
These pair awesomely with greens, rice, orzo pasta salad (recipe coming soon!), and they also stand up pretty well by themselves. Let me know what you have them with!
Looking for more recipes?
Why not try one of these other Jordo’s World favorites:
Can I have the recipe?
The recipe for the skewers and sauce are both below! If you enjoyed them, please rate and share with someone you love. Better yet: share it with EVERYONE you love!
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
Chicken Marinade:
- ¼ cup nonfat greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dill
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Set aside.
- Add all of the chicken marinade ingredients to a small bowl. Mix well.
- Place the chicken marinade and chicken into a large ziploc bag. Shake well so the marinade covers all of the chicken.
- Let the bag of chicken sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Metal skewers work best. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 mins prior to chicken being done (this prevents the skewers from burning).
- Slide a few pieces of chicken onto each skewer.
- Place the chicken skewers onto a heated grill for 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat. Cook until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165 degrees) and yogurt is no longer wet. (Note: Depending on your grill type and distance from flame, greek yogurt may cause flare ups during the cooking process.)
- To portion, divide into 4ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 4.
- Serve with extra lemon and tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition
Tzatziki Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup grated cucumber about ½ large cucumber
- ¾ cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
- 1.5 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Use the large size holes of a grater to grate the cucumber. Take a handful of grated cucumber and squeeze it over the sink to remove extra moisture. Repeat this process with all of the cucumber and place into a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl with the cucumber. Mix well. Taste and add additional seasonings if desired.
- Chill for at least 15 mins before serving.
- To portion, divide into 4; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 4.
Jordan says
One of me and my boyfriends STAPLES! We can’t get enough. We do it in the oven sometimes too!!
Kait says
A total crowd pleaser! Made these for a BBQ with friends and they were so easy and so delicious (and so easy to work into my macros for the day). The chicken was so flavorful and juicy. I can’t wait to make them again.
Ashlee says
I will never use another recipe for Greek inspired chicken skewers again! These were DELICIOUS and served plenty for a crowd. (Although I wanted them all to myself!)
Alicia says
This recipe is DELICIOUS! My husband didn’t even notice it was “healthy”.
Amanda V. says
I LOVE THESE! I keep these in my fridge all the time. Throw it in a salad, eat it with some cucumber tomato salad, eat it by itself… JUST EAT IT!
Brandie says
Sooo good! Definitely becoming a staple in my dinner rotation.
Kim says
Fresh and tasty. I could drink the tzatziki sauce.
Melissa James says
Hands down a weekly staple in my house! The boyfriend LOVES this! Great for a burrito bowl or pair it with hummus, fresh veggies and pita. Countless options!
Jan Garner says
Super simple and uses flavors we don't typically use which makes it extra nice!
Ashley says
Made this for lunch today! Definitely adding to our go to meal list. Fresh, easy recipe!
Holly Lujan says
I love these chicken skewers. An easy and delicious summer meal. Get some cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden and make a light Greek salad to go with it!
Katrina M says
Put these on a salad for protein!
Melissa J. says
The Greek lemon chicken skewers - OMG! I love that you can have this with the dip, but they can be added to other dishes too. We also like to add the chicken to rice bowls with hummus and onions and peppers. Such a great and easy dinner!
Ashli Krotz says
My only recommendation to this recipe: double or triple it! It’s so delicious. I cooked mine in the air fryer and was dipping and popping those little bites in my mouth faster than I could prep them! I’d give 10 ⭐️ if I could!