Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Herbs

You can never have too many grilling ideas for summer. These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are ideal for outdoor barbecues and warm-weather dinners. They pair beautifully with a refreshing minted yogurt dip for a light, satisfying meal.

Chicken skewers with a dip.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Make these flavorful chicken skewers for your next spring or summer barbecue. They showcase bright Mediterranean flavors—lemon, fresh mint and garlic—and are easy to prepare. We served ours with quinoa and a minted Greek yogurt dip for a complete, fresh meal that’s perfect for entertaining.

This recipe is straightforward: a simple marinade, short hands-on prep and a couple hours to let the flavours meld. The dip is equally quick, combining Greek yogurt with lemon and mint for a cool, herb-forward contrast to the grilled chicken.

Close up of chicken skewers.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

What These Kebabs Are Like

  • Difficulty – Very easy. Prep is quick and most of the time is passive while the chicken marinates.
  • Flavor – Bright and fresh, with lemon and mint providing a light Mediterranean profile that’s ideal for warm weather.
  • Makes – About 6–8 skewers depending on how much chicken you place on each skewer. The recipe card below shows full quantities and can be adjusted for servings.
Chicken skewers with a minted dip.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

  • Chicken – Boneless chicken breast, trimmed and cut into evenly sized cubes.
  • Marinade – Olive oil, juice and zest of lemon, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh mint, salt and black pepper.
  • Dip – Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, chopped fresh mint and a pinch of salt for a simple minted yogurt dip.

NOTE: Full ingredient amounts are provided in the recipe card at the end of this page.

Ingredients to  make chicken skewers.
Ingredients to make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade – In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped mint, salt and black pepper until combined.
  2. Marinate the chicken – Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl, pour over the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Skewer the chicken – Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Depending on portion size, you should get roughly 6 to 8 skewers.
  4. Grill – Preheat the barbecue. Grill the skewers, basting occasionally with any leftover marinade, turning every 3 minutes for even charring. Total cook time is about 12–15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Prepare the dip – Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped mint and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Serve – Plate the skewers with the minted yogurt dip on the side. They pair well with quinoa, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
Combine marinade ingredients
Marinade in a bowl with cubed chicken.
Pour marinade over the cubed chicken
Marinaded chicken in a bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for about two hours
Chicken on a skewers ready to cook.
Place chicken on skewers
Cooking chicken kebabs on a barbecue.
Grill on a preheated barbecue
Cooking chicken skewers on a barbecue.
Rotate frequently for even cooking
Minted yogurt dip in a bowl.
Whisk the minted yogurt dip
Chicken skewers with a dip.
Serve with the dip

Recipe Tips

  • Uniform pieces – Cut the chicken into similarly sized cubes so they cook evenly.
  • Soak wooden skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least one hour to prevent burning.
  • Marinade time – Aim for two hours of marinating for good flavor penetration; overnight is fine for even better results.
  • Baste while grilling – Spoon over any leftover marinade (that hasn’t contacted raw chicken) while grilling to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Chicken skewers with a dip.
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Substitutions and Alternatives

  • Chicken cut – Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breast; they may need a bit longer to cook but are juicier.
  • Acid swap – Swap lemon for lime for a slightly different citrus note.
  • Cooking methods – Grill on gas or charcoal, or cook under the broiler or in a hot oven if you don’t have an outdoor barbecue. Pan-searing on the stovetop also works.
Chicken kebabs on a plate with a dip.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Serving Suggestions

  • Starches – Serve with quinoa, roasted potatoes or a potato and cucumber salad for a heartier plate.
  • Salads – A crisp Greek-style salad, or a wild rice and bean salad, complements the bright flavors of the skewers.
  • Vegetables – Oven-roasted peppers, grilled vegetables or a sheet pan of mixed seasonal vegetables make easy, colorful sides.
Chicken skewers on a plate with lemon.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken is best for skewers?

Boneless chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, as used here. Boneless thighs or tenders are also excellent options and remain very juicy.

Are skewers and kebabs the same?

Yes—these terms are often used interchangeably. “Kebab” is common in European and Middle Eastern contexts, while “skewer” is frequently used in North America.


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Chicken kebabs on a plate with a dip.

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are a bright, lemony barbecue option. Served here with quinoa and a minted Greek yogurt dip, they make a fresh and easy dinner for warm nights.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Marinade Time 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8 skewers
Calories: 155 kcal per skewer
Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes

For the dip

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, mint, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Toss the chicken with the marinade in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.
  • Thread the chicken onto skewers when ready to cook (about 6–8 skewers).
  • Grill on a preheated barbecue, basting with remaining marinade if desired. Turn every 3 minutes for even cooking. Cook about 12–15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped mint and salt for the dip.
  • Serve skewers hot with the minted yogurt dip alongside.

Note on times: appliance performance varies; times are estimates.

Nutrition Facts
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Amount Per Serving (1 skewer)
Calories 155
Fat 8g
Cholesterol 36mg
Sodium 215mg
Carbohydrates 8g
Protein 13g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Thanks For Stopping By & Hope To See You Soon!

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