Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a tangy blend of yogurt, lemon, and vinegar, then grilled to smoky perfection. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs plain yogurt, lemon juice, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat completely; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to tenderize and infuse sour flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, brushing with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred at edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges from 1 lemon to squeeze over the hot chicken for an extra bright sour finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Citrus and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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