Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled chicken skewers marinated in gin and tonic for a bright, botanical flavor served with a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, gin, tonic water 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup gin, 1/3 cup tonic water, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce by squeezing excess water from 1/2 grated peeled cucumber, then mixing it with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves. Chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the chilled cucumber yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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 Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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 Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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 Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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 Gin and Tonic Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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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