Spiced Tex-Med Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a blend of warm Tex-Mediterranean spices, served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin 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 Mediterranean cuisine 280 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: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, make the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves (reserve from marinade), 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 cup grated cucumber that has been squeezed to remove excess water. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until edges are slightly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the spiced chicken skewers hot with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tex-Med 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 Spiced Tex-Med 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 Spiced Tex-Med 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 Spiced Tex-Med 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 Spiced Tex-Med Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean 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