Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy chicken marinated in za'atar and grilled to perfection, served with a tangy lemon-infused yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, za'atar spice blend, 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 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb chicken breast cubes with 2 tbsp za'atar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare lemon yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve warm with lemon yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Za'atar 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 za'atar spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Za'atar 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 Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Lemon 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 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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