Grilled Lemon-Dill Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in zesty lemon and fresh dill served with a cool cucumber-tzatziki dip, perfect for outdoor grilling and picnics. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, grated and drained cucumber
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 small grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 5: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 6: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Step 7: Serve chicken skewers warm with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Dill Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Lemon-Dill 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 lemon zest from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Dill 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 Grilled Lemon-Dill 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 Grilled Lemon-Dill 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.