Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and lemon, served with a cooling garlic yogurt dipping sauce perfect for outdoor gatherings. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 80 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and drained
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup grated and drained cucumber, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (70 min prep + 10 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
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 lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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.