Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Juicy and tender Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs with garlic, spices, lemon, and cilantro.
Yogurt marinated chicken kabobs are going to become your favorite summer go-to recipe. They are incredibly tasty, juicy, and so easy to make!
You will love the Mediterranean flavors of this Greek yogurt chicken marinade — cumin, yogurt, garlic, and the freshness of the cilantro. The chicken turns out perfectly flavorful and tender every single time.
Tip! I found that marinating the chicken for about 2 hours was enough to flavor and tenderize the meat but you can marinate the chicken up to overnight.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Greek yogurt chicken marinade are pretty simple. I recommend whole milk Greek yogurt for this recipe. Also, chicken thighs –they are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
- Greek yogurt
- garlic
- paprika
- cumin
- yellow onion
- lemon zest
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- cilantro
- chicken thighs
- kosher salt and black pepper
- Thread onto skewers and grill: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on a platter or baking sheet. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, grease well, and grill the kabobs until golden brown.
Can I Use Chicken Breast?
Chicken breast can become tough from the lemon juice so I recommend boneless, skinless, chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re juicy and can withstand lemon juice well.
Can These Be Baked?
A reader shared the following: ” Yumm!! Just made this and it’s so tasty! I cut the chicken into chunks then baked it at 375 for 25 minutes and broiled on low for 10 minutes to crisp it up a little.”
What to Serve with Yogurt Chicken Kebabs
Serve these yogurt chicken kebabs with any type of summer side. Here are a few favorites:
For a Mediterranean inspired meal, pair these kebabs with naan bread, Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce, Greek Cucumber Salad, Quinoa Salad with Avocado, or a Layered Hummus Dip.
Best Way to Reheat Chicken Kebabs
I found the best way to reheat leftover chicken kebabs is on the stovetop. They turn out incredibly juicy and flavorful every time!
Melt a tablespoon (or two –depending on the amount of leftovers) of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (make sure the chicken is off the skewers) and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Video: How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Want to see step-by-step on how to make yogurt marinated chicken kebabs? Watch the video below!
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Spicy Honey Chicken Sweet Potato Kebabs
- Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Orange Chicken
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Juicy and tender yogurt marinated chicken kebabs with garlic, spices, lemon, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated with microplane
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, grated with a box-grater
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless, chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade: yogurt, garlic, paprika, cumin, onion, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grease the grill grates thoroughly as the yogurt marinade makes the chicken stick to the grates.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill the chicken kabobs until golden brown and cooked through, turning the skewers occasionally, 13 to 15 minutes. If necessary, use a metal BBQ spatula to scrape underneath the kabobs to release prior to turning.
- Serve immediately. You can keep the chicken on the skewers or feel free to take it off.
Notes
- Onion: Use a box grater with large holes to grate the onion. Grating the onion releases some of the juices which makes the meat tender.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for at least 1 hour before using so they don’t burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 2.7 g
- Sodium: 576 mg
- Fat: 13.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
- Protein: 34.5 g
- Cholesterol: 148.2 mg
Keywords: kebabs, summer, yogurt marinade
Recipe originally published 5/28/2015.
Hi! I LOVE this recipe! Do you know if this can be frozen? If so, is it best to freeze the marinade alone or add it to the chicken first? Thank you!
★★★★★
Hi Jena: I’m not so sure how it will do marinated raw since there’s Greek yogurt and it can turn grainy when thawed.
Can you use fat free Greek yogurt?
it should be fine
It was yummy…….!
Made this tonight as a protein accompaniment to NYT Roasted New Potatoes with Garlic and Tamarind. We loved your recipe! Only two minor modifications…used dried onion flakes as forgot to buy an onion and grilled boneless skinless thighs whole vs kebabs. Served with a side of grilled broccoli. 10/10.
★★★★★
Thank you! So happy to hear that.
This recipe turned out great! The chicken was perfectly tender and very flavorful. We served it over rice with a side of roasted red peppers. This was a filling, easy, and delicious meal. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Thank you Erin! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Yumm!! Just made this and it’s so tasty! I cut the chicken into chunks then baked it at 375 for 25 minutes and broiled on low for 10 minutes to crisp it up a little.
Thank you Erica! Love it that you baked it.
Can you bake these in the oven? If yes, at what temperature?
They look delish!
I haven’t tried it in the oven so I can’t really answer with certainty but if you do try it, I would love to know how they turn out for you. Thanks 🙂
The picture of this recipe made me so hungry. Have you ever tried baking these?
No I have not, unfortunately. Thanks Colleen!
We had these kababs for lunch today! Super yummy and very easy to make.. Thank u for sharing the recipe !
★★★★★
That’s so awesome! Glad you enjoyed them. Thank you for your feedback 🙂
I can tell by your pics these are super tender and delicious! I love dinner ideas like this because everyone loves chicken and there is so little cleanup!
I completely agree Julie! Can never go wrong with chicken and kebabs 😉
These kebabs look tender and scrumptious! Another great, easy recipe Katya!
Thanks Thao!
Just in time for BBQ season. These kebabs look great and the recipe is easy to follow!
★★★★★
Thanks Tania! I’m all about easy and quick these days 🙂
These kebabs are so yummy looking I want to eat one now. 😉 thanks for the recipe!!
Thanks Nadia 🙂 Hope you enjoy them!
These look perfect! Mmm. We love kebabs as well and have them all the time. Going on my to do list, thank you for the recipe!!! ☺
★★★★★
Thanks girl! We do too and these can not be any easier to put together.