Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic blend, served with a cooling herb-infused yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends tablespoons lemon juice, tablespoons orange juice, minced garlic cloves 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup, finely diced cucumber
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds of 1-inch cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the herb yogurt dip by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are lightly charred.
- Step 6: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside the chilled herb yogurt dip.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip 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 Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip?
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 Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip?
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 Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip 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 Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Dip?
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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