Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a tangy yogurt and lemon juice blend that enhances the meat’s juiciness and delivers a vibrant sour note. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces into the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has char marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

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 plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

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 Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers 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 Sour Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers gluten free?

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

Related recipes