Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables
Tender chicken kebabs marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce paired with smoky grilled vegetables make a vibrant and satisfying dinner. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, plain Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 small red onion, quartered
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and aromatic.
- Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks and add to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces alternately with 1 medium red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, and 1 small red onion quartered onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has char marks while the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables?
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 greek yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables?
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 Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables 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 Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Charred Vegetables?
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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