Grilled Chicken Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki is a fantastic dish that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with a creamy, refreshing dip. The chicken is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices for an aromatic grilled finish, while the tzatziki sauce offers a cool and tangy contrast. Here’s how you can make this dish:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out any excess water using a paper towel or cheesecloth), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). You can baste the chicken with some of the marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
4. Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skewers and arrange it on a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve the grilled chicken skewers with a generous side of the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Grilling option: If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken skewers on a grill pan or broil them in the oven.
- Side dish ideas: Serve with warm pita bread, couscous, rice, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki—a perfect dish for outdoor cookouts, a light dinner, or a Mediterranean-inspired feast!