Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Mediterranean chicken kebabs paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce make a perfect dish for backyard grilling, cozy family dinners, or casual gatherings. Each skewer is generously marinated in aromatic spices, fresh garlic, and zesty lemon juice, adding layers of authentic Mediterranean flavor. Once grilled, the succulent chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, cooling garlic yogurt sauce, providing a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that make this recipe irresistible.
What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Kebabs
Making tasty Mediterranean chicken kebabs requires simple ingredients that deliver big, authentic flavors. Most items you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator, making preparation hassle-free.
Ingredients List
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (1½ lbs)
- Greek yogurt, plain (1 cup)
- Olive oil (¼ cup)
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic cloves, minced (4)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (½ teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, freshly ground (½ teaspoon)
- Wooden or metal skewers (8)
How to Prepare This Dish Step by Step
Prepare the Marinade
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. You should see a cohesive blend of spices and ingredients with a robust, aromatic fragrance filling your kitchen, signaling the perfect foundation for flavor-packed chicken kebabs.
Marinate the Chicken
Place cubed chicken pieces into a zip-top plastic bag or a shallow glass dish, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece of chicken is entirely coated, massaging gently to incorporate flavors thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally up to 2 hours—this allows flavors to penetrate deeply, tenderizing the chicken and enhancing juiciness.
Optimal Marinating Time
Aim for at least a 30-minute marinade period, though marinating up to 2 hours will yield the most flavor and tenderness. Avoid going beyond a few hours to prevent overly softened texture.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt with finely minced garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to become creamy and rich. Prepare and chill ahead of grilling to ensure maximum freshness—the sauce should taste tangy, garlicky, and refreshing, acting as the perfect counterbalance to the warm spices of the grilled chicken.
Thread onto Skewers
After marinating, carefully thread chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring each piece lightly touches the next, but avoiding overly tight packing. Equally sized pieces on each skewer ensure even cooking, golden browning, and consistent tenderness throughout. Discard any leftover marinade to maintain safe food handling practices.
Preheat and Oil the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F), ensuring grates are clean and well-oiled. Using cooking oil brushed lightly onto grill grates will ensure chicken kebabs won’t stick during grilling—this creates a hassle-free cooking experience and achieves a beautiful, even char on the meat.
Grill Setup for Success
Position grill grates about 4 inches from heat source, or set the temperature dials to achieve a stable medium-high flame. Proper grill preparation ensures juicy chicken with attractive grill marks, offering both aesthetic appeal and delightful texture.
Grill to Perfection
Place chicken skewers onto preheated, oiled grill grates and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve even browning and thorough cooking. Chicken is ready when lightly charred golden-brown grill marks appear, juices run clear, and internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). Watch closely for aromas of Mediterranean herbs and spices, accompanied by a mildly smoky scent signaling perfect doneness.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Protein Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like shrimp, pork, or even tofu. Shrimp kebabs with the garlic yogurt sauce would be a delicious seafood option. For a vegetarian twist, try marinating and grilling cubes of firm tofu instead of chicken.
Veggie Mix-Ins
The classic Mediterranean veggie trio of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions works wonderfully, but you can get creative with your veggie selection. Try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or even halved Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and nutrition.
Herb and Spice Variations
While the recipe calls for oregano, you can experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a blend of Italian seasoning. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Pro Cooking Tips
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Soak Wooden Skewers | Soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. |
| Cut Evenly-Sized Pieces | Uniform pieces ensure even cooking for both chicken and vegetables. |
| Marinate Thoroughly | At least 30 minutes—up to 8 hours—for full flavor absorption. |
| Preheat Grill Properly | Prevents sticking and ensures a great sear. |
| Baste During Cooking | Keeps kebabs moist and enhances flavor. |
| Let Rest Before Serving | Allows juices to redistribute for tender results. |
Nutritional Highlights
Health Benefits from Nutrients
These Mediterranean chicken kebabs are a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini offer fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
The garlic yogurt sauce delivers probiotics for gut health, along with calcium and B12. Herbs and spices like parsley and oregano contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit heart health.
Dietary Considerations and Calorie Notes
This dish is relatively low in calories—around 300 per serving—and naturally gluten-free.
For those watching their fat intake, opt for low-fat yogurt and use less olive oil. The recipe can also be modified for keto diets by reducing or removing the yogurt sauce. Salt can be adjusted for sodium-conscious individuals.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration and Freezer Tips
Store leftover kebabs in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic yogurt sauce should be stored separately and consumed within 5 days.
If freezing, it’s best to freeze the uncooked skewers. Assemble, place on a tray to firm up, then transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
To reheat, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover kebabs loosely with foil and warm for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat over medium grill heat for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Avoid using the microwave, which can dry the meat.
Garlic yogurt sauce should be served cold or brought to room temp—do not boil or microwave as it may split.
What to Know About Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
How do you make chicken skewers with yogurt?
Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Then thread onto skewers with vegetables and grill. The yogurt sauce is served chilled on the side or drizzled over.
How to make a yogurt sauce for chicken?
Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs such as dill or parsley. Chill for 20 minutes to let flavors blend.
What do you marinate chicken in for kebabs?
Use a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, and paprika. This combination adds deep flavor, moisture, and helps tenderize the meat before grilling.
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
4
servings30
minutes20
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (1½ lbs)
Greek yogurt, plain (1 cup)
Olive oil (¼ cup)
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
Garlic cloves, minced (4)
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
Paprika (½ teaspoon)
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Black pepper, freshly ground (½ teaspoon)
Wooden or metal skewers (8)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that pieces are of similar size for even grilling. Mince the garlic cloves for the marinade and sauce. Squeeze juice from the lemons.
- Make the Marinade: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to form the marinade. Immerse the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Leave them to marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Make the garlic yogurt sauce while the chicken marinates. Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped dill in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, then place them on the heated grill. Cook for about 6–8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has visible grill marks.
- Assemble and Finish: Serve the grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs with a generous drizzle of Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and enjoy.