Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Greek feast! These Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spicy Tzatziki Sauce are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for summer grilling, date nights, or impressing your foodie friends, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 wooden skewers
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki)
- Salt to taste (for tzatziki)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade by combining olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add cubed chicken breast and mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- While chicken marinates, prepare the spicy tzatziki sauce. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. In a separate mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This helps prevent the skewers from catching fire.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and thread cubes evenly onto the soaked skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and nice char marks. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is golden brown.
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This helps maintain moisture in the chicken.
- Serve hot chicken skewers with chilled spicy tzatziki sauce on the side. Optionally garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The 20-25 minutes allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious Mediterranean flavors.
- Moisture Management: When making tzatziki, always squeeze out excess cucumber moisture to prevent a watery sauce.
- Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the skewers rest for 3-4 minutes after grilling to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the spiciness of the tzatziki by adding more or less minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of Greek salad or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 292kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
