Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to perfection, and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the mint yogurt sauce by combining 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 small finely diced cucumber in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until charred at the edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot chicken skewers alongside the chilled mint yogurt sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

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 Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce 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 Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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