Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers coated in Mediterranean spices and paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce make this dish a flavorful and satisfying dinner everyone will love. This quick dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, summer grilling, and easy family dinners. Packed with smoky grilled flavor, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and tender chicken, this Mediterranean recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste using simple ingredients and easy cooking methods. Whether you are searching for healthy dinner ideas, quick Mediterranean meals, easy grilled chicken recipes, or flavorful food ideas for gatherings, this recipe is an excellent choice. Serve it with warm pita bread, rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs cut into cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove finely grated
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch cumin
Warm pita bread for serving
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes optional
Crumbled feta cheese optional
Instructions
1. In a large bowl combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and Greek yogurt.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. If using wooden skewers soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers leaving small gaps between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the skewers for 10 to 14 minutes turning every few minutes until the chicken is golden brown with lightly charred edges.
7. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. In a separate bowl prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, and cumin.
9. Warm pita bread and prepare any desired side dishes such as rice, couscous, or salad.
10. Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with yogurt sauce, pita bread, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs.
Notes
Marinating the chicken for several hours creates deeper flavor and extra tenderness.
Do not overcrowd the skewers because spacing allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop beautiful grill marks.
Fresh lemon juice added right before serving brightens the smoky Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg