Tangy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers

Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Skewers – A Bright and Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Dinner

If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that’s anything but boring, these tangy Greek yogurt chicken skewers are exactly what your weeknight rotation needs. Tender, marinated chicken grilled to golden perfection and packed with bold Mediterranean flavor—this dish is as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re meal-prepping, firing up the grill, or feeding a crowd, this recipe checks every box.

Mediterranean Inspiration

The idea behind this recipe came from a trip to a seaside taverna where skewers were served sizzling hot with lemon wedges, roasted veggies, and creamy yogurt sauces. Greek cuisine is known for using simple ingredients with big impact, and I wanted to create a version that you could enjoy any night of the week without much effort. Greek yogurt not only makes the chicken incredibly tender—it infuses every bite with tang and richness. Pair that with warm spices and citrus, and you’ve got a dinner worth repeating.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bold, zesty flavor – Lemon, garlic, and oregano bring this marinade to life.
• Tender and juicy – Greek yogurt keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Customizable cooking methods – Grill, oven, or skillet—you choose!
• Meal-prep friendly – Great for marinating ahead and easy to scale for guests.

Quick Grocery List

For the Yogurt Marinade:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice and zest
• Garlic
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Cherry tomatoes
• Yellow bell pepper
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Parsley and lemon wedges (optional garnish)
• Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment Checklist

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Grill or oven
• Skewers
• Tongs

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option
• Low Carb: Yes
• Paleo-Friendly: Use dairy-free yogurt and skip legumes or grains as sides

Serving Size
Serves 4

Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Skewers | Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe with Mediterranean Marinade

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time30 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Yogurt Marinade:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, (full-fat preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Juice of lemon, (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 Zest of lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (optional)

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 8 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, Cut into 1x1 inch squares
• Metal or soaked wooden skewers
• Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish, (optional)

Instructions:

• 1

  Make the Marinade:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, vinegar, and spices until fully combined.
• 2

  Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
• 3

  Prepare the Skewers:

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces, tomatoes and bell pepper onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
• 4

  Cook the Skewers:

  1. Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  2. Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Place skewers on the sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• 5

  Serve:

  1. Transfer to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with warm pita, hummus, or over a bed of couscous or salad.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Grill or oven
• Metal or wooden skewers
• Tongs

Nutrition

Calories	290
Carbohydrates	5g
Cholesterol	110mg
Fat	14g
Fiber	0.5g
Protein	33g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sodium	480mg
Sugar	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	9g

General Notes

• Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great if not overcooked
• Marinate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best for deep flavor
• Perfect for batch cooking or grilling for a crowd

Substitutions

• Yogurt: Use plain coconut yogurt or almond yogurt for dairy-free
• Chicken: Swap with turkey breast, tofu, or paneer for variation
• Vinegar: Use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have red wine vinegar
• Spices: Add coriander, cinnamon, or turmeric for extra warmth

Variations

• Add Veggies: Add red onion, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers
• Make It Spicy: Add harissa, cayenne, or extra red pepper flakes
• Turn Into a Bowl: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or greens with tzatziki
• Middle Eastern Twist: Add cinnamon and ground coriander to the marinade

Let’s Get Cooking

Step 1: Make the Marinade

• Pro Tip: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds brightness and depth.
• Pro Tip: Whisk until smooth so the marinade evenly coats the chicken.
• Pro Tip: Taste the marinade before adding chicken—you can adjust spice or salt.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Pro Tip: Cut chicken uniformly for even cooking.
• Pro Tip: Use a zipper bag or shallow dish for full marinade contact.
• Pro Tip: Marinate overnight if you want maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

• Pro Tip: Leave a bit of space between pieces so the heat can circulate.
• Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Pro Tip: Alternate colors (like yellow pepper and tomato) for a vibrant plate.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

• Pro Tip: Oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Pro Tip: Turn skewers every few minutes for even charring.
• Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) means they’re done.

Step 5: Serve

• Pro Tip: Let skewers rest 5 minutes before serving to keep juices inside.
• Pro Tip: Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
• Pro Tip: Serve with hummus, tzatziki, or warm pita for a full spread.

Art Of

The art of making great chicken skewers is all about balance: acidity, fat, and spices in the marinade, plus high-heat cooking to lock in juiciness. Greek yogurt does double duty here—it tenderizes and adds a luscious coating to the meat. Lemon zest boosts the citrus notes beyond the juice, and garlic deepens the savory flavor. Whether you’re grilling or roasting, don’t forget to rest the skewers after cooking so you don’t lose any moisture when serving.

Tips and Variations

• Use metal skewers for easier flipping and no soaking
• Make a double batch and freeze raw chicken in the marinade
• Pair with tabbouleh, roasted potatoes, or cucumber salad
• Add feta cheese crumbles to your plate for creamy, salty contrast

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290 – A balanced, high-protein meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.
  Carbohydrates: 5g – Naturally low-carb, great for keto or light dinners.
  Cholesterol: 110mg – From the chicken; easily fits within most daily limits.
  Fat: 14g – Includes healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt for satiety.
  Fiber: 0.5g – Slight fiber from vegetables; boost with a side salad if needed.
  Protein: 33g – High protein helps with muscle repair and keeps you full.
  Saturated Fat: 4g – From full-fat yogurt and chicken; moderate and wholesome.
  Sodium: 480mg – From salt and marinade; reduce if needed by using less salt.
  Sugar: 2g – Minimal, coming naturally from tomatoes and yogurt.
  Trans Fat: 0g – No processed fats—just clean, whole ingredients.
  Unsaturated Fat: 9g – Good fats that support heart health and nutrient absorption.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Microwave in short bursts or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I cook these in a skillet instead of grill/oven?
A: Yes! Use a well-oiled cast-iron skillet on medium-high. Cook 4–5 minutes per side.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: Ideally 2 to 24 hours. Too much longer and the yogurt may break down the meat too much.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Absolutely. Freeze it raw in a sealed bag with the marinade. Thaw before cooking.

Q: What should I serve with these skewers?
A: Couscous, quinoa, pita, tzatziki, hummus, or a cucumber salad all pair perfectly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut or almond-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Engage and Share

Tried this Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Skewers recipe? Leave a comment and rating below to let others know how it went! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag it online—I’d love to see your take. If you’re craving more Mediterranean inspiration, check out my Lemon Dill Salmon with Fennel Slaw or Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Orange Sauce.