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.
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.)
(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)