Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (0%, 2%, or 5% fat)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and grated finely or minced
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1 ½-inch chunks (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
For Serving (Optional)
- Tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth marinade. Adjust seasonings to taste if desired.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the marinade bowl. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 8 hours. For best results, marinate 2-3 hours to maximize flavor and juiciness.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading chicken to prevent burning during cooking.
- Thread the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (discard leftover marinade). Thread the chicken evenly onto 5-8 skewers, making sure not to crowd or compress the pieces.
- Choose Cooking Method and Cook: Follow your preferred cooking method:
• Grilling (outdoors): Preheat gas grill to medium-high. Oil grill grates. Place skewers on grill, close lid, and cook 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook 2-4 minutes more until chicken reaches 160°F internally. Rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Grill Pan (indoors): Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers 5 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until done.
• Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place skewers on a grill rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until lightly charred and cooked through. - Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes off heat to allow internal temperature to rise to safe 165°F. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve with tzatziki sauce, pita or flatbread, olives, or over a salad.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 1 hour enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking prevents burning during grilling.
- Do not overcrowd skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust garlic, spices, and seasonings based on preference; this recipe is flexible.
- Smoked paprika can be used for a smokier flavor.
- Leftover marinade must be discarded and not used for basting or serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
