Juicy Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers
on Feb 25, 2026
This post may contain affiliate links! For more info, check out our privacy policy.
These Juicy Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed dinner that combines chicken with spices in a zesty and creamy Greek yogurt marinade. They are perfect for grilling and make a special grilled protein. We are serving alongside charred lemons and more yogurt for dipping.
If you’re looking for more skewer recipes, check out our Lemongrass Grilled Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham and Thai Beef Skewers with a Spicy Homemade Red Chili Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Grill or grill pan friendly
- You only need to marinate for at least 30 minutes
- Filled with flavors and texture from the charred edges, and tender chicken
- Easy to scale servings and prep ahead
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you need to make this recipe, including all our tips and substitutions.
- Chicken Marinade: Cubed boneless skinless chicken breast (you can also use chicken thighs!) is mixed with Whole milk Greek yogurt, fresh garlic and ginger, cumin powder, paprika, cayenne powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, lemon zest and juice, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Whole milk Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt is going to tenderize the chicken and help bring a ton of flavor when we grill.
- Lemon: Lemon zest and juice are being added to the marinade, but also being charred on the grill for serving.
- Herbs: On the side of these chicken skewers, toss together your favorite herbs with lemon zest for freshness.
The full list of ingredients with exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.
Tips and Substitutions
- Soak your Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them ahead of time, overnight is best, to prevent burning on the grill.
- Grill heat: Grill over medium-heat, not super high heat, to ensure the chicken cooks through while also charring and not burning.
- Prep: You can prepare this ahead of time and place the skewers covered in the fridge until ready to grill.
- Resting: Let your skewers rest 5 minutes before serving to keep all the juices inside.
- Storing: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid warming up in the microwave because it will dry out the chicken.
How to Make Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate your bite-sized pieces of chicken by combining all the ingredients and transferring, covered, to the fridge.
Step 2: Heat your grill. Soak your skewers and then thread the chicken onto them.
Step 3: Grill the skewers for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred. Add halved lemons during the final minute.
Step 4: Toss your herbs. Serve with the skewers, charred lemon, and a side of yogurt for dipping.
The full detailed instructions can be found on the recipe card below.
Why Does Yogurt Tenderize Chicken?
Yogurt tenderizes chicken because it contains lactic acid as well as live enzymes. These enzymes break down the proteins in meat, resulting in a final tender texture. The yogurt loosens the muscle fibers of the chicken without turning the chicken mushy.
The chicken stays juicy and tender when grilling, and the yogurt also helps with the char on the grill.
Serving Recommendations
Looking for some ideas to serve with these yogurt-marinated chicken skewers? We have you covered!
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers FAQs
At least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. The longer the marinate sits, it will deeper the flavor and the tender texture.
Yes, bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes on a lined sheet pan, flipping halfway until charred and cooked through.
Your heat may be too high. Bring the heat to medium, medium-high heat, and allow the chicken to char before flipping. You can also shake off the excess yogurt before hitting the grill. Also, ensure you are oiling the grates before adding the chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
Soups & Stews
Lemon White Bean Chicken Soup
Appetizers
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Chicken
Lemon Pepper Wings
If you do make this Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers recipe, leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, we would love to hear what you think! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram, we love to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest in your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter. We can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Juicy Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt, plus more for serving
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon, plus 1 large lemon, halved, for grilling
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Herb Salad
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly torn
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, whole with stems removed
- 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly torn with stems removed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, cumin, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, salt, pepper, lemon zest, juice, and olive oil. Mix until completely combined with the chicken. Cover and transfer to the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and charred on the edges. Toward the last minute or so, add on your lemon halves to char.
- While the chicken cooks, in a bowl, combine parsley, mint, chives, dill, salt, and pepper and toss to combine. Before serving, top with lemon zest.
- Plate the skewers alongside the herb salad on a platter. Serve with the charred lemon halves and a dollop of yogurt tossed with salt and pepper on the side for dipping.
Video
Notes
- Soak your Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them ahead of time, overnight is best, to prevent burning on the grill.
- Prep: You can prepare this ahead of time and place the skewers covered in the fridge until ready to grill.
- Storing: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid warming up in the microwave because it will dry out the chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A really flavorful marinade gets tossed over chicken and grilled! Enjoy!