Best chicken kabob marinade greek yogurt in 30 minutes

I have to tell you about the absolute game changer for your next backyard barbecue. I used to struggle so much with dry chicken on the grill until I discovered this chicken kabob marinade greek yogurt trick. Honestly it is like a magic potion for poultry. Most people reach for vinegar or tons of lemon juice but those can actually make the meat tough if you are not careful. The secret is the lactic acid in the Greek yogurt. It breaks down the fibers in the chicken way more gently than harsh acids do. It creates a texture that is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. This has become the number one requested recipe at my house every single summer and I cannot wait for you to try it.

Why You Need This Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

I have experimented with every marinating time under the sun and I am telling you that this method is foolproof. One of the best things about using yogurt is that it acts like a protective blanket for the meat. When you throw those skewers onto a screaming hot grill the yogurt prevents the chicken from drying out immediately. I have found that while a quick soak works the real magic happens when you let it sit for a few hours. It creates this incredible flavor profile that is tangy and savory without being overwhelming. You get that professional restaurant quality char without the stress of serving dry dinner.

Ingredients for Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

You probably have most of these sitting in your kitchen right now. I like to use a mix of breast and thighs but you can use whatever you prefer. If you want to add a bit more liquid for moisture you can always toss in a splash of chicken broth instead of anything fancy. Here is what you need to get started.

• 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Prepare Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

Getting this ready is super simple but timing is everything. You want to give the chicken at least 30 minutes to hang out in the fridge with the mixture. If you can plan ahead aim for about 4 hours because that is the absolute sweet spot for the best flavor and texture. Just a little heads up though do not let it go longer than 24 hours. If it sits too long the yogurt works a little too well and the texture can get a bit too soft for the grill.

Prepping the Meat

First things first you need to grab your chicken and a sharp knife. I always aim for uniform 1-inch pieces. It might seem like extra work to make them all the same size but it is the only way to make sure every single piece cooks at the exact same rate. You do not want one tiny piece to turn into a hockey puck while the bigger ones are still raw in the middle.

Mixing the Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

Grab a nice big bowl and whisk together your yogurt oil and all those beautiful spices. Do this before you add the chicken so everything is perfectly combined. Once it looks creamy and delicious toss in your chicken cubes. Use your hands or a big spoon to make sure every single nook and cranny of that meat is coated in the marinade. Cover it up and let it chill in the fridge while the flavors get to know each other.

Grilling the Kabobs

When you are ready to cook fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken onto your skewers and get them on the grates. That yogurt is going to create a gorgeous charred crust that looks like it came from a fancy Mediterranean spot. It seals all the juices inside while giving you those crispy bits on the outside that everyone fights over.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

If you find that the yogurt is sticking to the grill don’t panic. The best way to prevent this is to oil your grates really well before you start cooking. I also highly recommend using metal skewers because they conduct heat into the center of the meat for even cooking. If you only have wooden ones just make sure you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they do not turn into charcoal sticks on the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

• Can I use low-fat yogurt? You definitely can but I really suggest full-fat Greek yogurt. It gives a much richer flavor and the extra fat helps protect the chicken from the high heat of the grill.
• Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade? Yes this is one of my favorite meal prep hacks. Just throw the coated chicken in a freezer bag. It will actually marinate while it thaws in the fridge the day you want to cook it.
• What can I use instead of lemon juice? If you are out of lemons you can use a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar or just add a little extra chicken broth to keep things moist.

Nutritional Data for Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt

This is a great high protein option that fits into almost any meal plan. Here are the estimated values for one serving.

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

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