Chicken skewers are everyday grilling at its best, especially when the marinade both tenderizes and adds flavor. Here, yogurt, lemon and sumac bring the freshness while the grill takes care of the crust.

The Recipe in Brief

This recipe is for you if you want juicy skewers with a clear grilled flavor, but without a heavy glaze or a sweet BBQ feel.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ lb boneless chicken thigh
  • ¾ cup + 1½ tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp sumac
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

  1. Cut the chicken into pieces and mix with the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, cumin, salt and oil.
  2. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, longer if you can.
  3. Thread onto skewers and get the grill ready for medium-high heat, about 392°F / 392 °F.

How to Grill the Skewers

  1. Grill the skewers over direct heat and turn them often.
  2. Move them over to indirect heat if they take on color too fast.
  3. The chicken is done at 162°F / 162 °F internal temperature.

Temperatures, Times and Tips

  • Grill temperature: 392°F / 392 °F
  • Internal temperature: 162°F / 162 °F
  • Cooking time: 10–14 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve with thinly sliced red onion, extra sumac, pita bread, grilled lemon or a cold yogurt sauce.

Common Mistakes

  • Pieces that are too big mean the surface is done before the middle.
  • A grill that is too hot burns the yogurt before the chicken is done.
  • Too little salt gives a flat flavor.

Variations

You can add a little chili, mint or parsley if you want to push the flavor in an even fresher direction.

Why This Recipe Works

Yogurt helps keep the chicken juicy, while sumac and lemon lift the flavor without taking over. Boneless thigh also handles the grill better than breast when you want a margin for error.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast?

Yes, but boneless thigh turns out juicier and more forgiving.

How long should the skewers be grilled?

Count on 10–14 minutes in total, depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, feel free to marinate them the evening before.

What temperature should the chicken reach?

162°F / 162 °F in the thickest piece.

If you want to keep building on the chicken theme, Thai Style Chicken Skewers is a nice next stop.

If you want something cold for serving, a cold yogurt sauce for grilled chicken works really well here.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 14 minutes
Total time: 34 minutes plus marinating
Grill temperature: 392°F / 392 °F
Recommended internal temperature: 162°F / 162 °F

This is a real favorite of mine when I want lots of flavor without kicking off a whole-day project.

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