Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a blend of fresh herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling cilantro yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breast, olive oil, fresh 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 250 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with the cilantro yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cilantro 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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