Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, grilled to juicy perfection and paired with a cooling herb-infused yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, mix together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot alongside the chilled herb yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Sauce 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb 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 lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers with Herb Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken 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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