Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in bright citrus and garlic, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce perfect for summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 82 minutes blends pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, lemon juice 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces and toss in the citrus marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, stir together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl; refrigerate the sauce until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  5. 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 slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the chilled mint yogurt sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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-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 Grilled 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 Grilled 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

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.

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