Description
Elegant and juicy Mediterranean chicken skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, served with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This 30-minute meal is perfect for dinner parties or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large English cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 4–6 rounds pita bread
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out water. Squeeze out excess liquid using hands or a towel.
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, chopped dill, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, minced garlic, ¼ cup lemon juice, oregano, thyme, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken cubes in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over chicken and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Thread the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook the Skewers: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and turn on broiler. Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack). Broil for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer cooked skewers to a platter. Crumble feta cheese over the top. Serve immediately with chilled tzatziki and warm pita bread.
Notes
Do not skip draining the cucumber for the tzatziki, as this prevents a watery sauce. Use chicken thighs for juiciness; if using breasts, cut into smaller cubes and monitor closely. Add feta cheese after cooking to prevent burning. The tzatziki can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers and ¼ cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken skewers, tzatziki recipe, dinner party ideas, easy chicken recipes, Greek food, summer grilling, healthy dinner