Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a bright yogurt and herb blend, then grilled to juicy perfection with fresh herb garnish. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  4. Step 4: Brush skewers with 2 tbsp olive oil and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro before serving with flatbread or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade 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 Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade?

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 Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade?

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 Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade 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 Laser-Cut Herb-Infused Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade?

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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