Description
A versatile and juicy meal prep recipe featuring chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs, served with creamy tzatziki. Designed to yield four substantial meals that stay fresh in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 medium English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1.5-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- While chicken marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between cubes. Place 4-5 cubes per skewer.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove skewers from grill and let cool for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Portion skewers into containers (2 skewers per container) with a side of tzatziki.
Notes
Ensure you squeeze the cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki. Do not marinate chicken for more than 24 hours as the acid can break down the meat. Skewers can be frozen uncooked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with ¼ cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: meal prep, chicken skewers, tzatziki, grilled chicken, healthy lunch, Mediterranean diet, high protein, gluten-free option