1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers

Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Tender chicken thighs are marinated with lemon, olive oil, garlic, and aromatic spices, then paired with colorful bell peppers on skewers. The skewers are grilled until nicely charred and juicy, creating an irresistible smoky flavor. Served with a refreshing tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon, plus warm pita and bright veggies, every bite captures Mediterranean zest. Enjoy these skewers with a squeeze of lemon for extra tang, or add chili flakes for a touch of heat. Perfect for casual outdoor meals or weeknight dinners alike.

Pin it Share it Email it Print Jump to Instructions
Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sat, 05 Jul 2025 11:49:06 GMT
A skewer of meat with a lemon wedge on top. Save
A skewer of meat with a lemon wedge on top. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Grilled chicken thigh skewers with tzatziki sauce and pita bring the sunshine and sizzle of a classic Mediterranean gathering right to your table Made with juicy marinated chicken and fresh crisp vegetables these skewers are a favorite for weeknight dinners or festive weekends with friends The creamy homemade tzatziki brings everything together for a meal that feels special yet is simple to prepare

I first tried these when hosting a backyard cookout and everyone raved about the bright flavors and tender chicken This recipe always brings back memories of summer nights and laughter around the grill

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs cut into chunks: Juicier than chicken breast and stay tender during grilling Select pieces with some marbling for best results
  • Yellow bell pepper: Sweetness balances the savory chicken Look for firm and glossy peppers
  • Red bell pepper: Adds color and a touch of tang Choose one that feels heavy for its size
  • Olive oil: Ensures the marinade helps the chicken stay moist Use extra virgin for richer flavor
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon lifts the flavors Squeeze your own for more zing
  • Garlic minced: Essential for a true Mediterranean taste Pick firm fresh cloves
  • Dried oregano: Brings aroma and earthy notes Rub it between your fingers before using to release the oils
  • Paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smokiness Spanish paprika gives a nice depth
  • Salt and pepper: A must for seasoning Taste before you grill
  • Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers offer a rustic feel but need soaking
  • For serving: Lemon wedges cherry tomatoes or grilled tomato halves fresh pita bread warmed make the plate vibrant
  • Tzatziki sauce: Greek yogurt cucumber garlic lemon dill or mint olive oil and a sprinkle of salt Use thick yogurt and crisp cucumber for classic texture

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine olive oil lemon juice minced garlic dried oregano paprika salt and pepper in a bowl Whisk until combined then add chicken chunks and toss well Be sure every piece is slicked with marinade Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes but up to two hours for maximum flavor
Assemble the Skewers:
Thread chicken and bell peppers onto skewers alternating pieces so that every bite gets juicy chicken and sweet pepper Start with two chicken pieces then a yellow pepper piece two more chicken pieces a red pepper piece finish with more chicken and a final pepper pressing everything close together so it cooks evenly
Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high Brush the grates lightly with oil Place your skewers down and cook for ten to twelve minutes turning every two to three minutes for even charring by the end the chicken should be golden and cooked through and the veggies just slightly blistered
Prepare and Serve:
While skewers rest stir together Greek yogurt grated cucumber garlic lemon juice olive oil dill or mint for the tzatziki Spread pita bread on a platter arrange skewers over the top and pile on cherry tomatoes or grilled tomato halves Dollop tzatziki alongside and finish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing
A wooden platter with a variety of foods on it. Save
A wooden platter with a variety of foods on it. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Chicken thighs are my favorite for grilling because they never dry out no matter how busy I get The first time I tried grilling these with my youngest she loved threading the peppers and now it is a fun family tradition

Storage Tips

Leftover skewers stay juicy for up to three days in the fridge Store the chicken and veggies off the skewers in a covered container Keep tzatziki separate to preserve its freshness Rewarm chicken gently in a pan or low oven and whisk tzatziki before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut Pork tenderloin or lamb cubes also work well Bell peppers add color but zucchini or red onion pieces make great additions Use dried mint if fresh dill is not available for tzatziki

Serving Suggestions

Serve these skewers with a crisp Greek salad or a simple tomato cucumber salad Pair with herby roasted potatoes or rice pilaf When serving a crowd make extra tzatziki for dipping and offer a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes for those who love a little spice

Cultural Touchpoint

Grilled meat skewers known as souvlaki in Greece or shish kebab in the Levant have long brought people together Pita and creamy yogurt sauces are traditional companions making the meal feel both casual and celebratory Every bite of these skewers is like a trip to a Mediterranean seaside cafe

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Overnight marination intensifies the taste.

→ Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

Yes, both metal and wooden skewers work. If using wood, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

→ What vegetables pair well on these skewers?

Bell peppers add color and sweetness, but you can also use zucchini, red onion, or cherry tomatoes for variation.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken is done when it's golden, slightly charred, and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

→ What's the best way to serve these skewers?

Arrange grilled skewers on a platter with warm pita, fresh tzatziki, lemon wedges, and a scatter of herbs for a vibrant presentation.

→ Can I make tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, prepare tzatziki up to one day ahead. Keep it chilled in the fridge to allow flavors to combine fully.

Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers

Charred chicken and peppers paired with cool tzatziki and pita for bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
12 mins
Total Duration
32 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (8 skewers and 1 cup tzatziki)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ For the Skewers

01 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
02 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 4 cm squares
03 1 red bell pepper, cut into 4 cm squares
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
07 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 0.5 teaspoon paprika
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste
11 Wooden or metal skewers

→ For Serving

12 Lemon wedges
13 Tzatziki sauce (see below)
14 Cherry tomatoes or grilled tomato halves
15 Pita bread, warmed

→ For the Tzatziki Sauce

16 240 g Greek yogurt
17 0.5 cucumber, grated and excess liquid removed
18 1 clove garlic, finely minced
19 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
20 1 tablespoon olive oil
21 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
22 Salt, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thigh pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Step 02

Combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill or mint, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.

Step 03

Thread skewers alternately with chicken pieces and bell peppers: begin with 2 chicken pieces, then 1 piece of yellow bell pepper, 2 chicken pieces, 1 piece of red bell pepper, 2 chicken pieces, and finish with another bell pepper piece. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 04

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place skewers onto the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently, until chicken is charred at the edges and cooked through.

Step 05

Arrange grilled skewers on a large platter. Accompany with lemon wedges, a bowl of chilled tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes or grilled tomato halves, and warmed pita bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Notes and Tips

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
  2. For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  3. Incorporate a pinch of cumin or chili flakes into the marinade for a spicy variation.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Skewers
  • Serving platter

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt in tzatziki sauce)
  • Contains gluten (pita bread)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 545
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 38 g