If you’re looking for a healthy grilled dinner packed with flavor, these Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki are one of the easiest recipes to make all summer long.
Juicy chicken is marinated in a classic Mediterranean blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, and herbs, then grilled alongside zucchini and red onion until perfectly charred. Serve everything with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill for the ultimate Greek-inspired meal.
These Greek chicken kabobs are:
- High-protein
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for meal prep
- Perfect for summer grilling
- Easy to customize with different vegetables
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal prepping lunches, or just craving fresh Mediterranean flavors, these grilled Greek chicken skewers are guaranteed to become a repeat recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Skewers
Mediterranean recipes are known for being simple, healthy, and packed with flavor, and these skewers are no exception.
This recipe combines lean protein with colorful vegetables and a bright, herby marinade that makes the chicken incredibly juicy. Once grilled, the slightly charred edges add even more flavor.
What makes these Greek chicken kabobs especially great:
✔ Protein-packed dinner option
✔ Made with whole, simple ingredients
✔ Perfect for grilling season
✔ Ready in about 30 minutes of cook time
✔ Delicious with rice, pita, or salad
Pair the skewers with a side of rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad for a balanced Mediterranean-style meal.
I know grilling can be intimidating though, especially if you’re new to it. There’s always more to learn, but the more I do it, the closer I get to feeling like a grill master. And I want to help you get there too, so I put together this Summer Grill Guide last year with a few tips & tricks.
The Best Summer Grilled Chicken Recipe
Peak summer calls for uncovering the grill and enjoying all the season has to offer.
It’s also a season I know we all want to feel our best too. I’ve been prioritizing a high-protein diet for a long time now, and have never felt better. I get into it in a couple blog posts here (What I Eat In A Day) and here (How I Eat 100+ Grams Of Protein Daily), and while I don’t track macros, I do my best to make sure I’m getting sufficient protein, healthy fats and carbs every day.
So I love these Herby Greek Chicken Skewers With Tzatziki because it’s a meal that not only covers all the bases, but tastes incredible, is flavorful and filling, and so easy to make. Summer skewer perfection!
Just don’t forget to soak your skewers ahead of time (if you’re using wooden ones) and let your chicken marinate in the yummy, herby marinade for a few hours beforehand. Happy grilling season!
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Skewers
These skewers use simple ingredients that come together to create bold Mediterranean flavor.
For the Marinade:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Red wine vinegar
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Italian parsley
Skewers:
- Chicken breast (or thighs)
- Zucchinis
- Red onion
For the Tzatziki:
- Lactose-free whole milk yogurt (or sub unsweetened coconut yogurt)
- Red onion
- Garlic cloves
- English cucumber
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Italian parsley or cilantro
- Fresh dill
How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers
1. Make the Greek Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
This mixture creates a classic Greek marinade that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for:
Minimum: 1 hour
Best flavor: 3–5 hours
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread onto skewers:
- Chicken
- Zucchini
- Red onion
Repeat until the skewers are filled, leaving a little space between ingredients so everything cooks evenly.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
4. Grill the Chicken Skewers
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, rotating every few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the skewers rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve the tzatziki alongside the skewers for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers
Cut ingredients evenly
This helps the chicken and vegetables cook at the same speed.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers
Leaving small gaps allows heat to circulate.
Use high heat
A hot grill creates that delicious charred flavor.
Let the chicken rest
Resting keeps the juices inside the meat.
What to Serve with Greek Chicken Skewers
These skewers pair well with many Mediterranean sides:
- Greek salad
- Lemon rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Pita bread
- Hummus
- Cucumber tomato salad
They also work great for Mediterranean bowls or wraps.
If you’re looking for any product recs, I’ve got a bunch of my grilling/outdoor entertaining, cooking/baking favorites (and more) over on my Amazon storefront.
FAQ: Greek Chicken Skewers
What is the difference between chicken kabobs and chicken skewers?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to pieces of meat and vegetables threaded onto a skewer and grilled.
How long should you marinate chicken for skewers?
For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 3 hours, though even 1 hour will still work.
What vegetables go best on Greek chicken skewers?
Popular options include:
- Zucchini
- Red onion
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Can you meal prep Greek chicken skewers?
Yes. Cooked skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated or eaten cold in salads and bowls.
LOVE THESE HERBY GREEK CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH TZATZIKI? HERE’S MORE TASTY MEALS AND SIDES YOU’LL LOVE:
Herby Pasta Salad With Protein
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Salad
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Chickpea Salad
Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki (Easy Mediterranean Grilled Chicken)
Equipment
- skewers
- Mixing bowls
- grill
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lb. chicken breast (or thighs), excess fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 small zucchini, cut into 1/2” coins
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup lactose-free whole milk yogurt, or sub unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup seeded and diced English cucumber
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley or cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
Instructions
For the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian parsley.
For the Skewers:
- Pour the marinade into a shallow, air-tight container and add the chicken that you’ve already sliced into 1-inch pieces. Toss to combine until the pieces are evenly coated. Place the lid on the container and transfer to the fridge. Marinate for at least one hour, preferably 3-5 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least one hour.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge and begin to assemble the skewers, shaking off any excess marinade from the chicken. On each skewer, layer two pieces of chicken, a slice of zucchini, and a slice of onion. Repeat until all six skewers are assembled. Do not press the chicken and veggies together too tightly, or they will not cook evenly. It’s ok if there is a bit of room between each ingredient.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, add the skewers on a diagonal on the grates. Cook for 8-10 minutes total, rotating every 3-4 minutes, until there are char marks in places and the chicken registers 165 when tested with a thermometer. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
For the Tzatziki:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, red onion, garlic, cucumber, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, parsley, and dill. Mix together until well combined.
- Serve the tzatziki alongside the skewers for dipping. Enjoy!
Looks so good! Any suggestions for making this in the oven or air fryer? We don’t have access to a grill sadly :’)
We loved this recipe – went to the farmers market for most of it this morning, added an eggplant to the mix. This recipe is perfect for summer harvest in California. Made extra and will make a delicious lunch tomorrow for leftovers.
Looks so perfect. I’m thinking your Greek fries as a side;)