Save to Pinterest Picture yourself on a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace, the scent of lemon and herbs filling the air as skewers of golden chicken sizzle on the grill. These Light Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki transport you straight to Greece with every bite, combining bright citrus notes with fragrant herbs and succulent chicken. The cool, creamy tzatziki provides the perfect counterpoint to the warm, grilled meat, creating a balanced dish that's both satisfying and refreshing.
Save to Pinterest These skewers have become my go-to for both casual weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining. There's something magical about the combination of charred, lemony chicken and cool, garlicky tzatziki that keeps everyone coming back for more. The best part? Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a simple marinade and a few minutes on the grill.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Skewers: 600g boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, zest and juice of 1 large lemon, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 8 wooden or metal skewers
- For the Tzatziki Sauce: 250g Greek yogurt, ½ cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 1 clove garlic (finely minced), 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or 1 teaspoon dried), juice of ½ lemon, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For Serving: Lemon wedges, fresh chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
- Make the tzatziki
- While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve
- Remove skewers from grill and rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with chilled tzatziki, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure to really squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber for your tzatziki. This prevents watery sauce and concentrates the flavor. When grilling the chicken, resist the urge to frequently flip or move the skewers - allowing them to develop a nice char on each side is key to that authentic Mediterranean taste. The skewers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to both the marinade and the tzatziki. If you prefer dark meat, substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breast meat - they'll stay even juicier on the grill. Vegetarians can swap the chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using the same marinade for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Serviervorschläge
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve alongside warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or lemon-herb rice for a complete Mediterranean meal. For a lighter option, place the skewers atop a bed of fresh greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber. The tzatziki can double as a dressing when thinned with a little extra lemon juice and olive oil.
Save to Pinterest These Light Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki have become a staple in my kitchen, especially during warmer months when the grill calls. There's something deeply satisfying about the combination of bright, herbaceous chicken and cooling yogurt sauce that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting friends for a casual dinner, these skewers offer a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease that's hard to beat.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate, though 1-2 hours enhances the taste further.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
- → What is the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to reduce burning.
- → How do I make the tzatziki sauce fresh and creamy?
Combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess liquid), garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix well and chill before serving.
- → Can these skewers be cooked indoors?
Yes, grilling can be done on a grill pan over medium-high heat if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- → Are there variations to enhance flavor?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick or serve with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
