Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a tangy lemon yogurt blend, grilled to perfection with a bright citrus punch. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until edges are nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated 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 greek yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated 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 Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated 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.
What goes well with Tangy Lemon Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers?
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.
