Zesty Greek Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Summer sizzles with these mouthwatering Greek chicken skewers with yogurt sauce that bring Mediterranean flavors right to your plate.

Tender marinated chicken gets infused with zesty herbs and spices, creating an irresistible blend of traditional Greek ingredients.

Fragrant oregano, garlic, and lemon combine to deliver an explosion of taste in every single bite.

The marinade works magic, tenderizing the meat while building layers of incredible flavor.

Perfectly charred skewers offer a delightful contrast between crispy exterior and juicy interior.

The cool, creamy yogurt sauce provides a refreshing counterpoint that balances the grilled chicken warmth.

Serve these skewers at your next backyard gathering, and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

What Goes Into Greek Chicken Skewers

• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy acidity and helps balance the overall taste.
• Oregano: Brings authentic Mediterranean herbal notes to the dish.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Maras Pepper: Offers a complex, mild heat with fruity undertones.
• Cayenne and Paprika: Creates a warming, slightly smoky flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist during cooking.

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results. Free-range or organic chickens tend to have better texture and taste.

• Tahini: Brings creamy, nutty richness to the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Provides tangy, smooth base with high protein content.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and adds fresh, zesty notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjusts and balances the sauce's flavor.

• Pita Breads: Soft, pillowy bread for wrapping or dipping.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds fresh, sweet burst of flavor.
• Cucumber: Provides crisp, cool contrast to the warm chicken.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, slightly spicy crunch.
• Arugula: Introduces peppery, fresh green element.
• Mint Leaves: Offers refreshing, cool herbaceous touch.

Skewering Tools for Greek Chicken

• Mixing bowls: Medium-sized for marinade and yogurt sauce preparation.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade and yogurt sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: For preparing chicken and chopping herbs and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: To slice chicken and chop ingredients precisely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grill or grill pan: To cook chicken with perfect sear marks.
• Skewers: Metal or bamboo for threading and grilling chicken.
• Tongs: For safely turning and handling chicken during cooking.
• Zester or grater: To extract lemon zest.
• Instant-read thermometer: To check chicken's internal temperature.
• Platter: For serving and presenting the finished dish.

Cooking Greek Chicken Skewers Step-by-Step

• Flavor Fusion

Combine zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, garlic, and spices in a bowl to create a vibrant marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean sensation.

• Chicken Transformation

Coat chicken pieces generously in the prepared marinade, allowing the flavors to mingle and penetrate deeply for maximum taste experience.

• Creamy Companion

Blend smooth yogurt with rich tahini and a splash of bright lemon juice to craft a silky sauce that perfectly complements the bold chicken flavors.

• Cooking Magic

Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reaches perfect internal temperature, creating a crispy outside and juicy inside.

• Mediterranean Feast

Spread the sizzling chicken on a beautiful platter surrounded by fresh pita, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, inviting everyone to dive into this culinary adventure. Drizzle with reserved marinade and luxurious yogurt sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.

Greek Chicken Skewers: Pro Flavor Tips

• Let chicken sit in marinade for maximum 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy. Refrigeration helps ingredients penetrate deeper, creating more intense flavors.
• Prevent chicken pieces from spinning by using two skewers parallel to each other. Alternate meat sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent doneness across all pieces.
• Bake chicken in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes if grilling isn't available. Broiling works wonderfully for creating those desirable charred edges and crispy exterior.
• Prepare extra marinade and yogurt sauce to store separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use leftover grilled chicken in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for quick next-day meals.

Presentation for Greek Chicken Skewers

• Greek Feast Platter: Create a stunning Mediterranean-style spread with warm pita bread, crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onion rings surrounding the golden chicken skewers. Sprinkle fresh mint leaves and arugula for a vibrant green touch.
• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack these skewers in a portable container with separate compartments for yogurt sauce, extra marinade, and fresh veggies. Ideal for outdoor lunches, beach trips, or backyard gatherings with friends and family.
• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Transform the chicken skewers into a complete small plates experience by adding hummus, olives, feta cheese crumbles, and roasted red pepper strips. Drizzle the zesty yogurt sauce over everything for an authentic Greek flavor explosion.
• Summer Dinner Party Delight: Serve the skewers family-style on a large wooden board, allowing guests to build their own wraps with warm pita, chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy yogurt sauce. Pair with a crisp white wine or refreshing Greek salad for a memorable meal.

How to Keep Greek Chicken Skewers Fresh

• Smart Prep Strategy: Marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead of cooking time for deeper flavor infusion, allowing ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping yogurt sauce separately to maintain crispy texture and fresh taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag for up to 1 month, ensuring maximum flavor retention when thawed.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Slice cold chicken skewers and toss into salads, stuff inside pita pockets, or crumble over grain bowls for effortless meal recycling throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Tantalizing Greek Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean flavors shine in these greek chicken skewers with yogurt sauce, showcasing zesty marinated meat grilled to perfection. Tender chicken paired with creamy tzatziki creates a delightful meal you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• ½ cup (120 ml) greek yogurt
• 4 (6-inch) pita breads
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup packed arugula
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• 3 to 4 sprigs mint leaves
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh oregano

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, Maras pepper, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, gradually incorporating olive oil until harmoniously blended. Separate 1/4 cup for serving and submerge chicken pieces in the remaining mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse.
2. Yogurt Sauce Preparation: Blend tahini and yogurt into a silky consistency, then introduce lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fine-tune seasonings to create a balanced, tangy complement that elevates the dish’s profile.
3. Skewer Assembly: Soak bamboo skewers in warm water or select metal alternatives. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers with precision, ensuring even distribution and secure placement.
4. Grilling Technique: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high, lightly oiling grates to prevent adherence. For stovetop, heat cast iron grill pan until smoking hot. Cook chicken, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and consistent internal temperature of 165°F. If using stovetop, work in batches to maintain optimal heat.
5. Plating and Presentation: Arrange sizzling skewers on a generous platter, surrounding with warm pita bread, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, arugula, and mint leaves. Drizzle reserved marinade over the chicken and serve yogurt sauce on the side, inviting guests to personalize their culinary journey.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for minimum 30 minutes and maximum 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption without breaking down meat texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
• Skewer Technique: Slide chicken pieces close together on skewers for even cooking and preventing smaller pieces from falling through grill grates.
• Sauce Balance: Taste yogurt sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt to complement grilled chicken’s robust flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg