Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil 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 280 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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). 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 Garlic 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 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.

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