Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus blend and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce, perfect for summer grilling. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 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 salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp honey
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 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 salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Stir well until blended.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the mint yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is lightly charred on the edges.
- Step 6: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chilled mint yogurt sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
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 fresh orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
Mediterranean grilling 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.