Grilled chicken skewers with lightly charred edges and lemon wedges

Greek Yogurt Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers with a bright yogurt-lemon marinade that makes high heat forgiving. Grill or broil, same win.

Total: 45 minActive: 15 minDifficulty: EasyYield: 4 ServingsTemp: 500°F

Timing note: 45 mins

Gluten-FreeMediterraneanChicken

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Greek Yogurt Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers with a bright yogurt-lemon marinade that makes high heat forgiving. Grill or broil, same win.

Total: 45 minActive: 15 minDifficulty: EasyYield: 4 ServingsTemp: 500°F

Timing note: 45 mins

Gluten-FreeMediterraneanChicken

Full recipe Frame mode

The Key Move

Use yogurt as the moisture shield and pull the chicken at 160F, then rest--overcooking is the only real enemy here.

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The Setup

Skewers
8–12 inch
Grill or Broiler
Instant-Read Thermometer

The Mise en Place

5 of 8

Your prep station before cooking begins

Units

The Protein (0/1)

2 lbchicken thighs, boneless skinless(cut into 1.5-inch pieces)

Marinade (0/6)

1 cupgreek yogurt, plain full-fat(no added sugar)

1 wholelemon(zest and 2 tbsp juice)

4 clovesgarlic(finely grated)

1 tbspolive oil

My chicken is dry, even though I followed the recipe.

Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! That usually means it cooked just a touch too long. Remember, the goal is to pull them off the heat right at 160°F and let them rest. That resting peri…

The marinade is burning before the chicken is cooked through.

Sounds like the heat might be a little too aggressive, or the broiler is too close.

Chef's Notes

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently or slice cold into salads.

The Method

MIX

Prep ahead

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon (1 whole) zest and juice, garlic (4 cloves), olive oil (1 tbsp), salt, pepper, and oregano (if using).

This is a moisture shield and a seasoning vehicle—not a sugary glaze. • No garlic clumps; marinade looks creamy • Bright lemon-garlic aroma

Checkpoint:

Marinade is smooth and evenly seasoned

MARINATE

Prep ahead

Toss chicken pieces in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate 20-30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).

Short marination is enough for flavor and protection. Long marination is fine but unnecessary. • All pieces look covered in a thin layer

Checkpoint:

Chicken is evenly coated

SKEWER

Prep ahead

Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.

Gaps let heat circulate so the outside browns without needing extra time. • Small air gaps between chunks

Checkpoint:

Pieces are snug but not compressed

GRILL

Time-sensitive

Grill over medium-high heat 4-5 minutes per side (or broil on a foil-lined sheet 4 inches from heat, 4-6 minutes per side) until 160F (71C).

Pull at 160F and rest—carryover brings it safely to final without drying. • Golden-brown with light char spots • Sizzle and roasted garlic-lemon smell

Checkpoint:

Internal temp 160F; browned edges; juices clear