Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in tangy lemon and garlic, threaded with roasted bell peppers and red onions, then grilled to smoky perfection with a vibrant mint-dill yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 132 minutes pairs grams chicken thighs, plain yogurt, medium, juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 500 grams chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Thread 500 grams marinated chicken thighs, 2 medium bell peppers cut into 1-inch cubes, and 1 medium red onion cut into 1-inch wedges onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Place kabobs on grill, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and vegetables are charred in spots, about 10-12 minutes total.
  5. Step 5: While kabobs grill, mix 2 tablespoons fresh mint, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons reserved marinade in a small bowl to make the herb sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled kabobs immediately with the mint-dill yogurt sauce drizzled over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 132 minutes (120 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 Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt?

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 grams chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt?

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 Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt 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 Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Herb Yogurt?

Mediterranean grilling 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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