Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip

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

Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated with warm spices and served alongside a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip, perfect for sharing with friends. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends plain yogurt, ground coriander, ground paprika 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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: While chicken marinates, combine 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 1/2 cup plain yogurt in a small bowl; stir well and refrigerate to chill.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until the edges are slightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve the spiced chicken skewers hot with the chilled cucumber-yogurt dip on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip 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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip?

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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip?

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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip 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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip?

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.

Related recipes