Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and tahini served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, perfect for a healthy protein-packed meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 27 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breast, tahini, 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 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup peeled and grated cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate to chill the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with the chilled cucumber yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber 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.

Is Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes