If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet unbelievably easy to pull together, this Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe will be your new go-to. The tangy yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken so it’s juicy and flavorful every single time, while the subtle hints of garlic, lemon, and spices elevate it beyond everyday grilled chicken. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a sunny weekend barbecue, these skewers bring warmth, zest, and a bit of culinary magic to your table that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining simplicity with a balance of fresh, vibrant flavors and perfect textures. Each element is easy to find and contributes something special to your grilled chicken skewers.
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and quickly on the grill.
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt: Full-fat or Greek yogurt is best; it tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy tanginess to the marinade.
- 3-4 cloves Garlic: Minced finely, garlic infuses the marinade with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to add brightness and a subtle citrus zing that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Helps blend the flavors and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning and magnifying all the other flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a bit of mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin or Paprika (Optional): Choose cumin for a warm, smoky depth or paprika for a sweeter, slightly smoky note.
- 8-10 Wooden Skewers: Soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
How to Make Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start with a large mixing bowl and whisk together the yogurt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil until everything is perfectly combined. This base sets the flavor tone for your skewers, balancing creaminess and tang beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Next, stir in salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a teaspoon of cumin or paprika. These spices add an extra layer of flavor that makes the chicken truly pop once grilled.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Cube your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces, then toss them into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is where the magic happens, allowing the yogurt and lemon to tenderize the meat and the garlic and spices to infuse their delicious essence.
Step 4: Prepare the Skewers
Remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces so they cook evenly and get that perfect char.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the skewers on the grates. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a beautifully caramelized exterior while staying tender inside.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This simple pause helps redistribute the juices, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can take your skewers from delicious to unforgettable. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra lemon juice just before serving can brighten things up and add a delightful crunch or zing.
Side Dishes
These skewers love company on the plate! Serve them alongside fluffy basmati rice, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or even warm pita bread with creamy hummus. Each of these sides complements the tangy yogurt marinade and grilled char perfectly, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the skewers standing upright in a rustic wooden board or platter with bowls of vibrant dipping sauces like tzatziki or spicy harissa. You can also slide the chicken off the skewers and pile it onto a bed of greens for a casual yet elegant salad. The key is to keep it colorful and inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect protein-packed snack or quick lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, so prepping ahead for busy days or meal prep is completely doable.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great choice for lean meat and quick cooking, you can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure thighs are cooked through.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the marinade?
Not necessarily. Plain full-fat yogurt works beautifully as well. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which can cling better to the chicken, but any plain yogurt will tenderize and flavor the meat wonderfully.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour is ideal, but you can also leave it overnight in the fridge for an even deeper flavor and tenderness. Just be cautious of marinating much longer than 24 hours as the acidity can start “cooking” the chicken too much.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and ensure your skewers have not been cross-contaminated. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken skewers under the broiler or in a grill pan on your stove. Just keep an eye on them to get that lovely char and prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about the way this Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe manages to be both effortless and spectacular. It’s a dish that’s easy to love and even easier to share with friends and family. Give it a try soon — it might just become one of your favorite grilled chicken recipes to turn to time and time again.
Print
Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Simple Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Marinated in a mix of creamy yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, the chicken becomes tender and infused with bright, savory flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ, these skewers grill up perfectly, delivering delicious smoky char and a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt (Full-fat or Greek yogurt recommended)
- 3–4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin or Paprika (optional for extra flavor)
For Grilling
- 8–10 pieces Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Spices: To the yogurt mixture, add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and your choice of cumin or paprika if desired. Stir thoroughly to fully incorporate all the spices into the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate and to tenderize the chicken.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a nice char and ensure the chicken cooks evenly through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender bite. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) for more tender and flavorful results.
- Use full-fat or Greek yogurt for best texture and flavor.
- Soaking wooden skewers is important to prevent burning on the grill.
- Can be cooked on an indoor grill pan or broiler if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Optional spices like cumin or paprika add a smoky depth but can be omitted for simplicity.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
