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Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe with Easy Greek Yogurt Marinade

grilled chicken kabobs - featured image

These grilled chicken kabobs are marinated in a simple Greek yogurt mixture that keeps the chicken juicy and tender with a smoky, tangy flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
  • Optional: colorful veggies like bell peppers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes for threading alongside chicken

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces. Cut into uniform 1 ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
  3. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with veggies if desired. Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  6. Place skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes to get an even char. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Remove kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, ideally 4-6 hours, but do not exceed 24 hours to avoid mushy texture. Use a spray bottle of water to manage flare-ups on the grill. Let kabobs rest after grilling to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

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