Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

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

Tender chicken marinated with fresh lemon juice and thyme, grilled on skewers to perfection, served with a cool cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 87 minutes blends lemon juice, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves 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 320 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: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki sauce by squeezing excess water from 1/2 peeled and grated cucumber. Combine with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled lemon-thyme chicken skewers hot with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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