Greek-Inspired Tzatziki Chicken Skewers

I don’t know when or who or how…but I have an early memory of having grilled chicken skewers with a side of creamy cucumber dipping sauce. Nowadays I know it’s called tzatziki sauce, a Greek recipe of yogurt and cucumber that takes grilled chicken (or steak) skewers to another level. But for years that summertime memory of that mysterious white sauce haunted my lonely taste buds.

This juicy Greek-inspired chicken with cool, creamy tzatziki is perfect for a fresh summer dinner — bright lemon, garlic, herbs, and smoky grilled flavor balanced with cucumber and yogurt. Yum!

Greek-Inspired Chicken Skewers

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• wooden skewers

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and red wine vinegar.

2. Add chicken and coat well.

3. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–8 hours.

4. Skewer and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Now dip that chicken into the tzatziki and wait for your taste buds to sing their thanks!