Garlic & Herb Marinated Chicken Skewers
Tender, juicy chunks of chicken breast soaked in a vibrant garlic and herb marinade, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The yogurt in the marinade keeps the meat incredibly moist while the lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs create a bright, savory flavor that tastes like summer on a plate. Ready in under 30 minutes, these skewers are a weeknight hero.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Make the garlic herb marinade.
1.In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.2.Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if needed.TIPUse full-fat yogurt for the most tender chicken — the fat helps carry the herb flavors into the meat. - prep · ~15 min
Marinate the chicken.
1.Add the cubed chicken breast to the bowl with the marinade.2.Toss well to coat every piece evenly.3.Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.TIPDon't marinate longer than 8 hours — the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy. - assemble · ~5 min
Thread the skewers.
1.Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.2.Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and onion.3.Pack the pieces snugly but not squished — they should just touch.TIPLeave a little space between pieces so the heat can circulate and cook the edges evenly. - grill · ~10 min
Grill the skewers until juicy and charred.
1.Place the skewers on the hot grill.2.Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving — you want a good sear.3.Turn the skewers and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.4.The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.TIPResist the urge to flip too early. A golden-brown crust means the chicken will release from the grill naturally. - serve · ~3 min
Rest briefly and serve.
1.Transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for 3 minutes.2.Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.TIPResting allows the juices to redistribute, so every bite stays moist.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut chicken into uniform 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 2Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 3Let the grilled skewers rest 3 minutes so juices redistribute evenly.
- 4Thread vegetables snugly but not too tight to allow heat circulation.
- 5Use a grill thermometer to check internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) safely.
- 6For extra char, pat chicken pieces dry before adding to the marinade.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace the olive oil with an extra tablespoon of yogurt and use a non-stick grill pan. This cuts the fat while keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap the bell peppers and onions for extra chicken breast cubes. This boosts the protein content per skewer, perfect for post-workout meals.
jainJain
Omit the onion and garlic; replace with asafoetida (hing) and fresh mint for a Jain-friendly version that still delivers aromatic, herbaceous flavor.
veganVegan
Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, and use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy). The marinade works beautifully on plant proteins, offering the same tangy, herby taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a low-fat, high-quality protein source that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Rich in Gut-Friendly Probiotics
Yogurt naturally contains live cultures that can aid digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome when consumed regularly.
Packed with Antioxidant Herbs
Oregano and thyme are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice provides a dose of immune-supporting vitamin C, which also helps your body absorb iron from the chicken.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great — they are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust grill time by 1-2 minutes.
