Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Recipe
Juicy and flavorful yogurt marinated grilled chicken skewers served with homemade tzatziki sauce. This Greek-inspired recipe is perfect for a satisfying summer meal or entertaining guests, combining tender chicken with a tangy, herbaceous marinade and refreshing dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges/sliced for serving
- 2 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and/or breasts, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
For Serving:
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the crushed red pepper and sweet paprika. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Remaining Marinade Ingredients: To the bowl, add the Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine, then stir in the roughly chopped garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken thighs and/or breasts to the marinade, tossing well to evenly coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for the chicken skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, distributing the chicken evenly. Discard any leftover marinade. Lightly season the skewers with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even browning and full cooking through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with homemade tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Notes
- If tzatziki isn’t your preference, you can substitute with ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- For even cooking, cut the chicken pieces uniformly to about 1 ¼-inch cubes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can mix chicken thighs and breasts depending on your preference for juiciness and leanness.