Name: Herby Greek Chicken Skewers With Tzatziki
Prep time: 200 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 210 min
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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

We all know I was big into soup season over the winter, but I have to be honest and say that grilling season is probably my favorite season of them all. So, it’s only natural to kick it off with a classic like these Herby Greek Chicken Skewers With Tzatziki.

I mean, is there anything better, or easier, than grilled meats and veggies with that slightly-charred taste and all the delicious Greek flavors?

Considering it’s also no secret how much I love Mediterranean food, it’ll come as a surprise to no one that my answer to that question is a simple no. With a homemade Tzatziki, this is the perfect summer meal, if you ask me!

CALLING ALL MY GRILLING GIRLIES

Ok so this one is for are all my grilling girlies. Because I know I’m not the only one who’s borderline obsessed with grilling season, lol.

I love it so much because it’s one of my favorite ways to cook that naturally encourages healthy options, and gets you outside to soak up all the summer air.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning to meal prep, it’s an easy option to whip up a healthy, protein-packed, veggie-filled, flavorful meal any day of the week. And that is exactly what these Herby Greek Chicken Skewers With Tzatziki delivers.

Made with a deliciously herby marinade for the chicken, colorful veggies like zucchini and red onion, and the zestiest, creamy tzatziki, you will feel like you were transported to the Mediterranean, without having left your backyard.

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.

SUMMER SKEWER PERFECTION

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 YOU’LL NEED:

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 MY HERBY GREEK CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH TZATZIKI

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!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

For the marinade, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional, but add a great slight touch of spice. If you prefer to substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar, feel free, but I’d recommend starting with about half of what the recipe calls for (so 1 tablespoon) since ACV has a fruitier flavor, and taste/add more as needed based on preference.

Option to use chicken breast or thighs, or both, depending on the crowd you’re cooking for. You could also add some bell pepper (any color/s will work!) for some added nutrients and flavor, just be sure to have extra skewers on hand.

And for the Tzatziki, depending on any dietary needs, feel free to use your favorite whole milk yogurt (lactose-free if needed), or sub unsweetened coconut yogurt. You could also serve with a side of rice too, by the way!

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.

WHAT IS THE TRICK TO COOKING KABOBS?

A few key tips for cooking chicken and veggie kabobs, or skewers. First and foremost, don’t forget to soak your skewers (if using bamboo or wooden ones) for at least 30 minutes before grilling, to avoid having them burn.

Be sure to cut all your ingredients (meat + veggies) in similar sizes and position them smartly on the skewers. Don’t overstuff the skewers, and make sure to preheat your grill so everything is cooked over direct heat for a nice sear.

IS TZATZIKI GOOD FOR YOU?

Tzatziki, especially when you make at home yourself with better-for-you ingredients, is a great, healthy option to incorporate into your meals. Since it’s essentially a blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon and herbs, it’s a tasty multi-use dip that delivers a handful of key nutrients.

LOVE THESE HERBY GREEK CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH TZATZIKI? HERE’S MORE TASTY MEALS AND SIDES YOU’LL LOVE:

Greek Feta Fries

BBQ Salmon Bowls

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Herby Pasta Salad With Protein

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Salad

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Chickpea Salad