Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in gin, lemon, and fresh herbs served with a cooling cucumber tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 32 minutes pairs gin, tablespoons lemon juice, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup gin, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin and Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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