My Go-To Greek Getaway: Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers!

Okay, picture this: it was one of those perfect early summer evenings, the grill was fired up, and I was determined to make something that tasted like a Greek island vacation. I’d been playing around with lemon and herb marinades, and after one batch where I generously (okay, accidentally!) upped the fresh lemon juice and added a touch of smoked paprika I had lurking in the pantry, these Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers were born! The smokiness was a subtle game-changer, and the tzatziki with a bit more mint than usual? Chef’s kiss!

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright, sunny flavors, is surprisingly easy to throw together for a weeknight, but special enough for weekend guests, then you’ve absolutely landed in the right place. These skewers are healthy, packed with protein, and that Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki is just pure refreshment on a spoon.

Why This Recipe is a Winner!

So, what makes these skewers a must-try in your kitchen? I’m so glad you asked!

• Flavor Bomb Marinade: We’re talking zesty lemon, aromatic oregano, a good hit of garlic, and that secret weapon – smoked paprika. It not only tenderizes the chicken beautifully but infuses every single bite with incredible, mouthwatering taste. Seriously, the marinade does all the heavy lifting here!
• The Coolest Tzatziki, Ever: This isn’t just any tzatziki. The extra fresh mint makes it incredibly vibrant and it pairs perfectly with the richness of Greek yogurt and crisp cucumber. It’s the ultimate cooling counterpoint to the smoky, charred grilled chicken. You’ll want to put it on everything!
• Super Versatile & Oh-So-Healthy: Whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill, using a trusty grill pan inside, or even baking these on a busy night (yep, you totally can!), they fit right into a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, which is always a bonus.

What You’ll Need (The Ingredient Lineup!)

Here’s your shopping list. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff!

For the Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers:

• 1 pound (453.6g) skinless, boneless chicken breast – cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (40ml) extra virgin olive oil – good quality EVOO makes a difference!
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (20ml) fresh lemon juice – freshly squeezed is always best for that z ZING!
• 1 large clove garlic (approx. 5g), minced – or two smaller ones if that’s what you have.
• ⅔ teaspoon (approx. 0.7g) dried oregano – if you have fresh, use about 2 teaspoons, chopped.
• ¼ teaspoon (approx. 0.6g) smoked paprika – this adds a lovely subtle smokiness; don’t skip it!
• ⅓ teaspoon (approx. 2g) salt
• 4-8 wooden or metal skewers – if using wooden, remember to soak them!

For the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki:

• ½ cup (128g) plain Greek-style yogurt – 2% fat is my go-to for a good balance of creaminess and health, but full-fat is luxurious!
• ⅓ medium cucumber (approx. 80g after peeling, seeding, and grating), finely grated – English cucumbers work great as they have fewer seeds.
• 1 teaspoon (approx. 1g) fresh mint, finely chopped – this is key for that “cool” factor!
• 1 ⅓ teaspoons (approx. 6.6ml) white vinegar – adds a little tang.
• 1 small clove garlic (approx. 3g), minced – just a touch for the tzatziki.
• 1 pinch of salt (approx. 0.3g), or to taste

Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step to Skewer Perfection

Alright, ready to make some magic? Here’s how we do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:In a medium-sized bowl or a large resealable plastic bag (my favorite for easy cleanup!), whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (for the marinade), dried oregano, smoked paprika, and ⅓ teaspoon of salt. Get it all nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure every piece is well-coated – toss it around gently. If you’re using a bag, squeeze out the excess air and seal it. If you’re using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Honestly, if you have 4 hours, the flavor gets even better!
3. Craft the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki:While that chicken is getting all flavorful in the fridge, let’s whip up the tzatziki. In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (don’t forget to gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the cucumber if it seems very watery – this prevents a runny tzatziki!), finely chopped fresh mint, white vinegar, minced garlic (for the tzatziki, not the marinade!), and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until it’s beautifully blended. Cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This lets all those lovely flavors get to know each other.
4. Ready the Skewers and Grill:Getting close! If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to submerge them in cold water for at least 20-30 minutes before you plan to grill. This little step stops them from turning into charcoal on the grill. Now, preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat – you’re looking for around 375-450°F (or 190-230°C). If your grates tend to stick, give them a light oiling.
5. Assemble the Skewers:Once the chicken has had its lovely marinating spa day, it’s time to thread the pieces onto your prepared skewers. Try to distribute the chicken evenly. I usually aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer if I’m using 4 main skewers, but you do you! Any marinade left in the bag or bowl? Just discard it.
6. Grill the Skewers:Carefully place your assembled chicken skewers onto the hot grill. Let them cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side. You’ll want to turn them occasionally so they get those gorgeous grill marks and cook evenly. The chicken should be nicely browned on all sides and, most importantly, cooked through. The safest bet is to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. Total cooking time will hover around 12-16 minutes.
7. Serve and Savor:And just like that, you’re a grilling hero! Arrange your freshly grilled Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers on plates. Serve them up immediately with a generous dollop (or two, I won’t judge!) of that chilled Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki alongside.

My Expert Tips & Tricks!

Want to make these skewers even more amazing or need a quick fix? I’ve got you covered:

• Herb Power: While the recipe calls for dried oregano (super convenient!), if you have fresh oregano on hand, by all means, use it! A good rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped herbs for every teaspoon of dried. Same goes for the mint in the tzatziki – fresh is fantastic.
• Yogurt Wisdom: For the tzatziki, full-fat Greek yogurt will give you the absolute richest, creamiest result. But 2% fat (as recommended) is a wonderful, slightly lighter option that’s still super creamy. Non-fat Greek yogurt will also work, but the tzatziki might be a bit tangier and less thick.
• Marinade Timing is Key: That 2-hour minimum marinating time really does make a difference for tender, flavorful chicken. If you can let it go for the full 4 hours, you’ll be rewarded! One little warning: try not to marinate for much longer than 8 hours if you’re using fresh lemon juice, as the acid can start to break down the chicken texture a bit too much, making it slightly mushy.
• The Cucumber Squeeze: I mentioned it in the instructions, but it bears repeating: gently squeezing out the excess water from your grated cucumber before adding it to the yogurt is a game-changer. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in preventing a watery tzatziki. Nobody wants that!
• No Grill? No Worries! If it’s raining or you just don’t have a grill, don’t despair! You can absolutely bake these skewers in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the chicken pieces (off the skewer) in a hot skillet with a little olive oil until cooked through.

Serving & Pairing Perfection

These Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers are truly fantastic just as they are, but if you’re looking to build a full, delicious meal around them, here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Pita Pockets of Joy: Tuck those juicy chicken pieces right into warm, fluffy pita bread. Add an extra spoonful of tzatziki, some crisp shredded lettuce, and a few slices of ripe tomato. Heaven!
• Grain Bowl Goodness: Serve the skewers alongside a fluffy bed of quinoa, couscous, or even a lemon-herb orzo. It’s a great way to soak up any extra tzatziki.
• Salad Sensations: A classic Greek salad loaded with Kalamata olives, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and creamy feta cheese is the perfect vibrant companion.
• Simple Sides: Sometimes simple is best! Lemon-roasted potatoes, a side of grilled asparagus, or a simple rice pilaf would all be delicious.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko would be absolutely divine. If you’re going non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemonade with a sprig of mint or a tall glass of refreshing iced tea hits the spot.

These skewers are a guaranteed hit at summer BBQs, they make for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner, or even a lovely light lunch that feels a bit special.

Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki Inspired) with Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend with a hint of smokiness, then grilled to perfection. Served alongside a refreshing, creamy Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki, this dish is a lighter, yet deeply flavorful, take on a beloved classic. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Marinating Time 2 hours hrs

Servings 4

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers:

• 1 pound 453.6g skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons 40ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon 20ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 large clove garlic approx. 5g, minced
• ⅔ teaspoon approx. 0.7g dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon approx. 0.6g smoked paprika
• ⅓ teaspoon approx. 2g salt
• 4-8 wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, see instructions for soaking

For the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki:

• ½ cup 128g plain Greek-style yogurt, 2% fat recommended
• ⅓ medium cucumber approx. 80g after peeling, seeding, and grating, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon approx. 1g fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 ⅓ teaspoons approx. 6.6ml white vinegar
• 1 small clove garlic approx. 3g, minced
• 1 pinch of salt approx. 0.3g, or to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

• In a medium-sized bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (for marinade), dried oregano, smoked paprika, and ⅓ teaspoon of salt.

Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If using a bag, expel excess air and seal it. If using a bowl, cover it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to permeate the chicken.

Craft the Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki:

• While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki. In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the cucumber if it appears very watery), finely chopped fresh mint, white vinegar, minced garlic (for tzatziki), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well blended. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to meld.

Ready the Skewers and Grill:

• If using wooden skewers, submerge them in cold water for at least 20-30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates if prone to sticking.

Assemble the Skewers:

• Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the prepared skewers, distributing the chicken evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer if using 4 main skewers. Dispose of any remaining marinade.

Grill the Skewers:

• Place the assembled chicken skewers onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally. The chicken should be nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time will be around 12-16 minutes.

Serve and Savor:

• Arrange the freshly grilled Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers on plates. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of the chilled Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki alongside. These skewers are excellent on their own or can be served with a side of quinoa, a fresh Greek salad, or warm pita bread.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)
(Based on 4 servings. Calculations use USDA FoodData Central and specific brand information where noted. Assumes marinade ingredients are consumed with chicken.)

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 29.6 g
• Fat: 12.5 g
• Saturated Fat: ~2.5 g (estimated)
• Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 1.4 g
• Sodium: 225 mg (primarily from added salt)

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. It is recommended to calculate nutritional information with your actual ingredients if you have specific dietary needs.

Your Turn to Grill!

Honestly, this recipe has become such a beloved staple in our house, especially when the sun is shining or we just need a taste of something fresh and exciting. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel good from the inside out – vibrant, flavorful, and totally satisfying without weighing you down.

I really hope you give these Athenian Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cool Mint & Cucumber Tzatziki a try! They’re a true game-changer for quick weeknight meals or weekend grilling. If you do make them, I’d absolutely love to see how they turn out! Tag me in your photos on social media or drop a comment below to let me know what you think.

Happy grilling, everyone!