Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Juicy, tender chicken thanks to the yogurt-lemon marinade.
• Easy to make and uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Pairs beautifully with salads, rice bowls, or wraps.
• A refreshing, balanced meal perfect for any season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice and zest
• Greek yogurt (for the marinade)
• Garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• For the tzatziki: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, pepper

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, yogurt, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden and fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
5. To prepare the tzatziki, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
6. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve the chicken with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

• Add paprika or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Serve in warm pita with tomatoes and cucumber for Greek chicken wraps.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the marinade.
• Swap tzatziki for a lemon-tahini sauce for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tzatziki can be stored for up to 3 days but may need stirring before serving.
Avoid freezing tzatziki, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, overnight marinating enhances tenderness and flavor.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes depending on thickness.

Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Absolutely—making it a few hours ahead improves the flavor.

Should I use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt?

Greek yogurt is ideal for both the marinade and the tzatziki because it’s thicker and creamier.

Can I grill the chicken?

Yes, grilling gives a delicious smoky flavor.

How do I keep tzatziki from getting watery?

Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber.

Can I use dried dill in the tzatziki?

Yes, use a smaller amount since dried dill is more concentrated.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade (but not the tzatziki). Thaw before cooking.

What sides go well with Greek chicken?

Greek salad, rice, roasted potatoes, pita bread, or quinoa are great options.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.

Conclusion

Greek marinated chicken with tzatziki sauce is a refreshing, flavorful, and versatile meal that brings classic Mediterranean taste to your table with ease. Whether served with grains, in a wrap, or alongside fresh vegetables, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe perfect for any day of the week.

Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

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Greek marinated chicken with tzatziki sauce is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring lemon-herb marinated chicken and a cool, creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce. Perfect for wraps, bowls, or light dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled or Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for marinade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tzatziki:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden. Let rest before slicing.
5. For the tzatziki, grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture.
6. Mix grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
7. Serve chicken with tzatziki on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Squeeze the cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Grill or bake the chicken depending on your preference.
• Great served with pita, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with tzatziki
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg