Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant citrus and honey blend, grilled to smoky perfection, and served with a cooling cucumber-tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 32 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 medium, grated and squeezed dry cucumber
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined. Add 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breast and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and squeezed cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: Serve hot chicken skewers with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce?
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 Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce 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 Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce?
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.