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No-Fuss Summer Healthy Chicken Skewers

Juicy, tender chicken skewers with a simple yogurt marinade and a 10-minute grill time. No complicated steps, just bright citrus and warm spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 bell pepper and 1 red onion cut into 1.5-inch pieces for alternating on skewers

Equipment

  • metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)
  • grill or grill pan
  • mixing bowl
  • tongs
  • instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces. If using vegetables, alternate them with the chicken.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. The exterior should have char marks and the yogurt marinade will create a slight crust.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of tzatziki or a squeeze of fresh lemon. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid drying out. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken without making it mushy, thanks to the lactic acid—just don't exceed 4 hours of marinating or the texture may become too soft.