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Lemon Thyme Chicken Skewers with Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 43 reviews

Lemon Thyme Chicken Skewers are a bright and flavorful grilled dish featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs, infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme. Paired with a creamy Greek yogurt dipping sauce enhanced with lemon zest and a hint of paprika, this recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that can be served as an appetizer or main course.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sea or kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 sprig thyme, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard
  • Pinch of paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 10 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the cubed chicken thighs and sprinkle chopped thyme on top. Toss the chicken to coat evenly. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let the flavors meld.
  2. Make the dipping sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, ground mustard, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve or prepare just before serving.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high temperature to ensure good searing and charring for the chicken skewers.
  4. Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Baste with any leftover marinade for added flavor and moisture.
  5. Grill the chicken skewers: Place skewers on the hot grill and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is charred on the outside and cooked through inside. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is browning too quickly, move the skewers to a cooler area of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
  6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange on a platter alongside the Greek yogurt dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately. Leftover skewers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated by removing chicken from the skewers and sautéing in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • If you don’t have a grill, the skewers can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
  • Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid over or under-cooking.
  • Leftover chicken can be repurposed in salads or wraps.
  • Adjust seasoning in the yogurt sauce to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat