10-Minute Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
10-Minute Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by That Savage Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 23 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $7.27 total, $1.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (cut into 1‑inch strips)
- 0.5 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing skewers)
- 8 Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
Soak Skewers
Place wooden skewers in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Time: PT2M
Cut Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast and cut into 1‑inch wide strips.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine the yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Marinate Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the yogurt mixture, toss to coat thoroughly, and let sit for 5‑10 minutes while the grill preheats.
Time: PT5M
Thread onto Skewers
Remove skewers from water, pat dry, and thread the marinated chicken strips onto them, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Grill
Heat a gas or charcoal grill (or a grill pan) to 500°F (260°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 500°F
Grill Kebabs
Place the skewers on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for 5‑7 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is opaque and lightly charred.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 500°F
Rest and Serve
Remove kebabs from the grill, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with a side of salad or rice.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: High Protein, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Keto‑Friendly
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Plain Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Wooden Skewers: Metal skewers
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Tongs
- Wooden Skewers
- Basting Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak skewers to prevent burning
- Marinate chicken thoroughly
- Grill at high heat for a short time to keep chicken juicy
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra juiciness, substitute half of the chicken breast with thigh meat
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and chopped parsley for brightness
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns dry or tough
Do not overcook; grill only 5‑7 minutes at high heat and keep the yogurt coating.
Skewers burn or stick to the grill
Make sure skewers are fully soaked and lightly brushed with oil before grilling.
Marinade separates
Stir the yogurt mixture well before adding chicken; if it looks thin, add a tablespoon of extra yogurt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, cover, and refrigerate; grill when ready
- Prepare the wet skewers ahead of time and keep them in water until cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Healthy Chicken Kebabs in Mediterranean cuisine?
Grilled kebabs have been a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking for centuries, originally cooked over open coals by nomadic tribes. The use of yogurt in the marinade reflects a tradition of tenderizing meat with dairy, a technique common in Turkish and Greek cuisines.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken kebabs in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Turkey, chicken kebabs (şiş tavuk) are often marinated with sumac and served with flatbread. In Greece, they may include oregano and lemon, while in the Levant they are spiced with all‑spice and served with garlic sauce. The recipe here blends these influences with a simple yogurt base.
How is Healthy Chicken Kebabs traditionally served in Mediterranean cultures?
They are typically served hot off the grill on a platter with rice or couscous, accompanied by fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil or lemon. In many regions, they are also paired with flatbreads like pita for wrapping.
What occasions or celebrations feature chicken kebabs in Mediterranean culture?
Kebabs are popular at family gatherings, outdoor picnics, and festive occasions such as Ramadan evenings, Easter barbecues, and summer festivals. Their quick cooking time makes them ideal for communal grilling events.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with Healthy Chicken Kebabs?
Serve them alongside tabbouleh, hummus, tzatziki, grilled halloumi, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A side of lemon‑herb rice or roasted vegetables completes the meal.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mediterranean chicken kebabs versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes use plain yogurt, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil. Acceptable substitutes include Greek yogurt for a thicker texture, chicken thighs for extra juiciness, and smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Healthy Chicken Kebabs?
Common errors include overcooking the chicken, using dry wooden skewers that burn, and not soaking the skewers long enough. Also, skipping the yogurt marination can result in dry, flavorless meat.
Why does this Healthy Chicken Kebabs recipe use wet wooden skewers instead of metal?
Wet wooden skewers prevent charring and sticking, allowing the delicate yogurt‑marinated chicken to cook without burning. Metal skewers conduct heat and can over‑cook the exterior, while soaked wood stays cooler and protects the meat.
Can I make Healthy Chicken Kebabs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours and even thread it onto skewers. Store the assembled kebabs in a sealed container in the refrigerator and grill them when ready. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Healthy Chicken Kebabs are done cooking?
The chicken should be opaque inside, with a lightly charred, golden‑brown exterior. The yogurt coating should have caramelized slightly, creating a glossy finish without burning.
What does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen focuses on straightforward, high‑flavor home cooking videos that emphasize quick, healthy meals and practical grilling techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
That Savage Kitchen blends classic Mediterranean flavors with a modern, no‑fuss style, often using readily available ingredients and emphasizing speed. Unlike more elaborate channels, it prioritizes simplicity, clear visual instructions, and minimal prep time.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
