Creamy Garlic Chicken
30 minEasy
Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
Oregano, garlic, and lemon-marinated chicken grilled until charred at the edges. Serve with tzatziki and warm pita.
- Prep time20 min
- Cook time12 min
- Total time32 min
- Servings4
- DifficultyEasy
- Calories430 kcal
Method
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken
15 minWhisk the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, zest, pepper, and a good pinch of salt. Toss with the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- 2
Make the tzatziki
3 minStir the yogurt, cucumber, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt together. Refrigerate until serving.
- 3
Skewer the chicken
5 minThread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces so they cook evenly.
- 4
Grill
12 minHeat the grill to medium-high. Cook the skewers, turning every 2–3 minutes, until charred at the edges and cooked through, 10–12 minutes total.
Tip: Let the marinade drip off before grilling to avoid flare-ups; save the rest for basting.
- 5
Rest and serve
5 minRest the skewers for 5 minutes, then serve with tzatziki and warm pita.
Cook smarter
Cooking Tips
- Use metal skewers, or soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes first.
- Cut the chicken into even cubes so the skewers cook uniformly.
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze it dry — watery tzatziki is sad tzatziki.
Make it yours
Ingredient Substitutions
No chicken?
- Lamb (cook slightly longer)
- Halloumi
- Prawns
Halloumi and prawns cook in about half the time.
No greek yogurt?
- Plain whole-milk yogurt
- Vegan yogurt
No pita?
- Flatbread
- Warm tortillas
Leftovers
Storage & Reheating
How to store
Store cooked skewers and tzatziki separately in airtight containers.
How long it keeps
Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat
Reheat skewers in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a minute per side.
Can you freeze it?
Cooked chicken freezes for up to 2 months; tzatziki does not freeze well.
Build the plate
Serving Suggestions
- Warm pita
- Greek salad
- Grilled lemon halves
- Roasted potatoes
Good to know
Common Questions
Can I cook these indoors?
Yes — a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat works beautifully. Open a window; there will be smoke.
How long should I marinate?
Fifteen minutes is enough, but 2–4 hours gives noticeably deeper flavor. Avoid overnight with lemon — it can turn the chicken mushy.
Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes — soak them in water for 30 minutes first so they do not burn on the grill.
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