Spiced Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a blend of garlic, lemon, and spices, grilled and served with a cool, creamy tzatziki dip. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes blends Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced 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 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and brush lightly with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: For the tzatziki sauce, mix the previously grated and drained 1/2 cup cucumber with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Serve alongside hot chicken skewers.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Greek 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 Spiced Greek 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 Spiced Greek 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 Spiced Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce?
Greek 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.