The Genius Way to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers 10x Better

When summer hits, all I want is something fresh, flavorful and easy to throw on the grill . One of my grilling go-tos is chicken , which is a crowd-pleaser, but it can get a little boring. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that guarantee tender, juicy grilled chicken that's exciting enough to make my family ask for seconds.

This year, I wanted something with bold flavor, a little kick and that perfect tang that makes you think of sunshine and outdoor dinners—and this yogurt-based marinade, shared by content creator @themodernnonna , checks all of those boxes. I suspect I'm going to be making this easy recipe on repeat all summer long.

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How to Make Lemony Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers

This summer marinade is about to become your go-to for flavorful, juicy chicken. It's creamy, spicy, tangy and effortlessly bold, which is everything grilled chicken should be. The base is super simple: plain yogurt, a few fresh aromatics, your favorite spices and a whole lemon. That's it!

The marinade comes together quickly in the food processor or blender. To make it, grab several cloves of garlic, a small onion, one jalapeño (seeds removed if you want less heat), about a cup of plain yogurt, your chosen spices (cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper all work well) and one whole lemon (peel and all). The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the yogurt and pairs beautifully with the slightly smoky grilled meat.

Blend the marinade ingredients until smooth and pour it over the chicken. (You can use whole thighs, breasts and drumsticks, or cut them into chunks for skewers.) Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for about an hour.

If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don't burn on the grill. If kebabs are something you like to make often, it might be worth investing in metal skewers.

Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and lightly charred. The sugars in the lemon and onion caramelize slightly, giving your chicken that irresistible golden crust. Before serving, give the chicken a squeeze of lemon to wake up the flavors.

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How to Make This Recipe Your Own

This marinade is great, but you can swap the jalapeño for a canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist. You can also add a handful of fresh herbs, like oregano, parsley or dill and serve with a side of tzatziki for a Greek-style grilled chicken.

Add turmeric, garam masala and ground ginger for chicken that leans into tandoori-style territory, or try mixing in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweet-spicy balance. This recipe is easy to adjust, so have fun with it!

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The Genius Way to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers 10x Better first appeared on Parade on May 26, 2025