Garlic Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs — the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever settled for dry, bland chicken. The secret? Yogurt. It tenderizes like a dream, carries all that garlicky flavor deep into the meat, and creates those golden, slightly charred edges you think only kebab shops can pull off.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, olive oil, shawarma seasoning, and lemon juice. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
½ cup Greek yogurt, 4 large garlic cloves, 2 tablespoon shawarma seasoning, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
1.5 cups Greek yogurt, 2 garlic cloves, Juice of ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cook the Kebabs
Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Soak skewers in water and then skewer the chicken. Grill skewers 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Stovetop method: Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium high with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. It's best to cook the chicken in batches.
1.5 lbs chicken breast, 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Oven and Air-fry method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 16–18 minutes, broil 2 minutes at the end for char.
Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve kebabs with garlic yogurt sauce on the side or drizzled over. Garnish with parsley or sumac if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition calculations are only estimates.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge – Keeps 3 days. Store chicken and sauce separately.
Reheat – Quick skillet warm-up or 45 seconds in the microwave.