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Easy 30-Minute Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe for Juicy Flavor at Home

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A quick and easy grilled chicken skewers recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful meat in just 30 minutes, including marinating. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 810 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into uniform 1.5-inch cubes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  3. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, stirring to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-25 minutes.
  4. About 5 minutes before marinating finishes, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired and serve.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Keep an eye on flare-ups when using charcoal. Reserve a tablespoon of marinade before adding chicken to brush on skewers for extra flavor. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with unsweetened coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken skewers, yogurt marinade, summer grilling, weeknight dinner