There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the sizzle of marinated chicken sizzling on skewers, especially when paired with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean. What I love most is how the tender, juicy chicken perfectly balances with the fresh coolness of the mint-infused yogurt—bright, vibrant, and anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply reclaiming dinner from the endless fast-food cycle, this recipe brings easy elegance right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile—serve it on pita bread, over a salad, or simply as is. Ready to elevate your homemade meals? Let’s dive in!
Why try Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki recipe?
Simplicity meets flavor: This recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals. Juicy, tender chicken: Marinated to lock in moisture and infuse every bite with rich Mediterranean spices. Refreshing contrast: The cool mint yogurt brightens the dish, balancing the savory chicken beautifully. Versatile serving: Enjoy on pita, salads, or straight off the skewer—ideal for any occasion. Crowd-pleaser: Its vibrant flavors and easy prep make it a guaranteed hit for family and friends.
Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken breast – Choose skinless, boneless for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Olive oil – Helps keep chicken juicy while infusing Mediterranean aroma.
- Lemon juice – Adds bright acidity to tenderize and flavor the chicken deeply.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced to pack a pungent, savory punch.
- Dried oregano – Classic herb giving authentic Greek souvlaki flair.
- Ground cumin – Subtle earthiness lifting the marinade’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to balance all flavors perfectly.
For the Mint Yogurt Sauce
- Greek yogurt – Thick and creamy, it’s the cooling base that complements the spicy chicken.
- Fresh mint leaves – Chopped finely to infuse refreshing, vibrant herbal notes.
- Lemon zest – Adds zesty brightness that elevates the yogurt’s freshness.
- Salt – Enhances the yogurt’s natural tanginess and herbs.
Optional Add-ons
- Red onion slices – Adds crunch and mild sharpness when served on skewers or pita.
- Cherry tomatoes – Roasted alongside the skewers for juicy bursts of sweetness.
This Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki recipe blends simple, fresh ingredients into a beautifully balanced dish that’s pure comfort and joy on a plate!
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki
-
For the Chicken Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant. -
Marinate chicken:
Toss 1½ pounds cubed chicken breast in the marinade, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) for maximum flavor. -
For the Mint Yogurt Sauce:
Stir Greek yogurt with chopped mint leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until creamy and bright green, then refrigerate until serving. -
Skewer chicken:
Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a ½-inch space between pieces for even cooking and consistent char. -
Grill skewers:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (around 400°F), cook skewers 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and juices run clear. -
Serve immediately:
Arrange skewers on a platter, drizzle with mint yogurt, garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wedges for freshness and color.
Optional: Serve with warm pita or crisp cucumber ribbons.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki
- Marinate patiently: For juicy, flavorful chicken skewers with mint yogurt, marinate the chicken at least 30 minutes—longer for deeper flavor but not more than 4 hours to keep texture tender.
- Soak skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and to ensure safe handling.
- Even pieces: Cut chicken into uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking and avoid dry or undercooked spots on your Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between pieces on the skewer to allow heat circulation and achieve that signature char without steaming the meat.
- Mint yogurt balance: Add mint gradually to the yogurt sauce and taste as you go, ensuring the mint complements rather than overwhelms the creamy sauce.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki
Fridge: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave to restore juiciness.
Freezer: Freeze skewers separately in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months, ensuring they’re tightly wrapped.
Mint Yogurt Sauce: Keep the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving; it adds a refreshing touch to future meals.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the skewers gently on the grill or skillet until warmed through, and serve with freshly stirred mint yogurt.
Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations and make this recipe your own!
-
Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the marinade for a fiery kick. This extra heat beautifully contrasts the cooling yogurt sauce.
-
Herb Medley: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley with the mint in the yogurt sauce. This vibrant blend adds a new layer of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
-
Veggie Skewers: Alternate chicken pieces with bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms on your skewers for a colorful, veggie-packed dish. The grill enhances the sweetness of the vegetables beautifully.
-
Citrusy Zest: Incorporate a splash of orange juice into the marinade for a fresh citrus twist. It not only brightens the flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
-
Tandoori-Style: Replace the marinade ingredients with tandoori spice mix and yogurt for a vibrant Indian take on the classic. This offers a unique flavor fusion that’s both aromatic and delicious.
-
Keto-Friendly: Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option and use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even richer, satisfying result without the carbs.
-
Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness that beautifully compliments the savory spices. It creates a delicious caramelization when grilled.
-
Mediterranean Bowl: Serve the skewers over a bed of quinoa or couscous mixed with olives and feta cheese. This turns the dish into a hearty meal, bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Let your culinary creativity shine as you enjoy these delicious options!
What to Serve with Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki?
A vibrant dish calls for equally delightful accompaniments to create a feast that tantalizes the senses.
-
Herbed Couscous: A fluffy, aromatic base that lends a lovely nutty flavor, perfect for soaking up the mint yogurt sauce.
-
Grilled Vegetable Medley: Brightly charred colors and a smoky taste elevate the meal, adding both nutrition and contrast to the chicken.
-
Tzatziki Salad: Crunchy cucumbers mingling with fresh herbs and a tangy yogurt dressing enhance the Mediterranean vibe, delivering refreshing bites.
-
Pita Bread: Soft and warm, it’s perfect for wrapping around the skewers and yogurt, making each bite a delicious delight.
-
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes provide a hearty texture. Their mild flavor beautifully balances the spices in the chicken.
-
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs brightens the plate, offering a fresh contrast that complements the main dish enticingly.
-
Feta Cheese Crumbles: Salty and creamy, sprinkle on top for an additional tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with the savory skewers.
-
Mint Lemonade: A refreshing drink that echoes the mint in the dish, it’s the ideal thirst-quencher for a warm meal outdoors.
-
Baklava: For dessert, this sweet, nutty pastry rounds off the meal with its rich flavors, guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki are a fantastic option for meal prep lovers! You can marinate the chicken pieces up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply permeate and ensuring juicy, flavorful bites. Simply follow the marinade instructions, toss the chicken in, and refrigerate. Additionally, prepare the mint yogurt sauce the day before, storing it in an airtight container for a refreshing, creamy complement ready when you are. When it’s time to cook, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them for 10–12 minutes, finishing with a drizzle of mint yogurt. This way, dinner is just a simple grill away, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my chicken breasts are good for skewers?
Look for skinless, boneless chicken breasts that are fresh with a light pink color and minimal odor. Avoid any with dark spots all over or a sour smell, as these indicate spoilage. Fresh chicken ensures tender, juicy skewers every time!
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To keep the chicken juicy when reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave, which can dry it out. The mint yogurt sauce should be kept separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the chicken skewers and how?
Absolutely! First, place the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to prevent sticking. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-lock bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the grill or skillet to restore that fresh, grilled flavor.
Why did my chicken turn out dry, and how can I fix it next time?
Dry chicken usually means it was cooked too long or the marinade time was too brief. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes but not more than 4 hours to keep meat tender. Also, grilling over medium-high heat and turning the skewers regularly helps cook chicken evenly without drying out. Keeping the pieces uniform in size ensures even cooking too!
Is the mint yogurt sauce safe for pets or suitable for people with dairy allergies?
While the yogurt sauce is delicious and fresh, it’s not recommended for pets as dairy can upset their stomachs. For those with dairy allergies, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative made from coconut or almond milk. Add fresh mint and lemon zest just the same for that bright, cooling effect!
Easy Juicy Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Souvlaki Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Toss cubed chicken breast in the marinade, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) for maximum flavor.
- Stir Greek yogurt with chopped mint leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until creamy and bright green, then refrigerate until serving.
- Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a ½-inch space between pieces for even cooking and consistent char.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (around 400°F), cook skewers 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and juices run clear.
- Arrange skewers on a platter, drizzle with mint yogurt, and garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wedges for freshness and color.
