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Flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Kebabs

grilled lemon herb chicken kebabs - featured image

Juicy and tender grilled chicken kebabs marinated in a bright lemon herb mixture, served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for quick, easy summer meals and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or substitute with mint)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using in a medium bowl.
  2. Cut chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1.5-inch cubes.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours but no longer than 6 hours.
  4. Prepare the tzatziki sauce by grating cucumber and squeezing out excess moisture. Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
  6. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat over medium-high until very hot.
  8. Grill kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Let kebabs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve hot with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours, but no longer than 6 hours to avoid meat breakdown. Avoid crowding skewers to ensure even cooking. Let kebabs rest after grilling for juicy results. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken kebabs, lemon herb chicken, tzatziki sauce, summer meals, easy grilling, healthy chicken recipe