Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, offering a fast, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner option that is tender and never dry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Optional vegetables: red onion wedges or bell pepper chunks
- 1/2 cup extra Greek yogurt (for dipping sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for dipping sauce)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in a large bowl of water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Trim fat from chicken breasts and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours (or up to 24 hours max).
- Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using. Leave small gaps between pieces for heat circulation.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has char marks.
- While chicken grills, mix extra Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh dill, and salt in a small bowl to create the dipping sauce.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure proper searing. Soak wooden skewers thoroughly to prevent fire. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for juicier results. The recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers per servin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, garlic yogurt marinade, weeknight dinner, healthy grilling, easy chicken recipe, meal prep