Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers

Juicy, tender chicken skewers marinated in a rich yogurt-based blend, paired with homemade tzatziki—this recipe is the ultimate summer grilling delight. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a simple dinner, these grilled chicken skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These yogurt marinated grilled chicken skewers are packed with flavors and are incredibly easy to make. The marination process ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the combination of spices like crushed red pepper, paprika, and garlic gives it a savory, slightly smoky kick. The addition of tangy homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh lemon wedges complements the grilled chicken perfectly, elevating the dish to the next level. Whether you serve it for dinner or as part of a summer BBQ, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika

• 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 lemon, cut into wedges/sliced for serving

• 2 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and/or breasts, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes

For the tzatziki sauce (optional, but highly recommended):

• Homemade tzatziki sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the crushed red pepper and paprika. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

2. Add the yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together, then stir in the garlic and lemon juice.

3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (the longer, the better!).

4. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, dividing the chicken evenly across all the skewers. Discard any remaining marinade.

5. Season the skewers with a little salt and pepper.

6. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve the skewers with homemade tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Kick: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra heat boost.

• Different Proteins: While chicken thighs and breasts are the most common choice, you can also use turkey, lamb, or even shrimp for skewers.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in your marinade, like oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to change the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken, though grilling or pan-searing will help retain its juicy texture.

FAQs

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though overnight marination is ideal for maximum flavor.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill due to their higher fat content.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will have time to meld, making it even more delicious.

Can I cook these chicken skewers indoors?

Yes! You can cook these on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

What other dips can I serve with the skewers?

In addition to tzatziki, you can serve these skewers with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a simple yogurt-based dip.

Can I use bone-in chicken for the skewers?

While boneless skinless chicken works best for skewers, you could use bone-in pieces, though the cooking time will need to be longer, and you might need to adjust how you thread them onto skewers.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat and avoid overcooking the chicken. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Can I grill vegetables with the chicken skewers?

Absolutely! Vegetables like peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms make excellent additions to chicken skewers and can be grilled alongside them.

How do I make sure the chicken cooks evenly?

Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You may also want to rotate the skewers every couple of minutes for even grilling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your tzatziki sauce does not contain any gluten-based ingredients (many store-bought versions do).

Conclusion

These yogurt marinated grilled chicken skewers are the perfect combination of juicy chicken, savory spices, and fresh tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this recipe promises to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. With the flexibility to customize the seasoning and side dishes, it’s a foolproof way to elevate your grilling game. Enjoy!