Grilled Lemon-Dill Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in zesty lemon and fresh dill, served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce perfect for a picnic. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, olive oil 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare tzatziki sauce by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1 tsp white wine vinegar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
  4. Step 4: Serve the hot chicken skewers alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping, perfect for an outdoor picnic.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Dill Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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.

Related recipes