Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in fragrant za'atar and olive oil, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends za'atar spice blend, olive oil, 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 320 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: While chicken marinates, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl; mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the skewers hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Garlic 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 Za'atar 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 Za'atar 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 Za'atar 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 Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Garlic 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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