Grilled Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated with delicate rose water, paired with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, rose water, 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 3, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cut boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 tbsp rose water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves in a small bowl. Refrigerate sauce until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm alongside the lemon yogurt sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon 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 Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon 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 rose water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon 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 Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Rose-Infused Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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