When I first made these chicken skewers in the oven, I was blown away by how effortlessly they came together and how delicious they were. Juicy, flavorful chicken chunks kissed with bold spices and roasted to perfection – it’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a pro chef without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking for your family, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. And the best part? No need to fire up the grill. With a few pantry staples and a trusty oven, you can create these succulent skewers any time of the year. Pair them with a tangy yogurt dipping sauce, and you’re in for a meal that’s comforting, vibrant, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Chicken skewers are more than just a great dinner idea. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Easy to Prepare

This recipe doesn’t involve complicated steps or fancy techniques. It’s as simple as marinating the chicken, threading it onto skewers, and popping it in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time!

Packed with Flavor

The yogurt-based marinade filled with spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric ensures that every bite of chicken is bursting with taste. The optional yogurt dipping sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.

Customizable for Any Diet

Whether you’re looking for healthy, low-carb, or gluten-free options, this recipe is easy to tweak. Skip the yogurt for a dairy-free version or adjust the spices to suit your preferences.

Perfect for Any Season

Grilling isn’t always an option, especially when the weather is cold. These oven-baked skewers deliver the same savory goodness without needing a grill, making them a year-round winner.

Crowd-Pleaser

This dish is perfect for entertaining. Who doesn’t love juicy, flavorful chicken on a stick? Serve with some rice or salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will rave about.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to whip up these amazing skewers:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Plain yogurt
Olive oil
Garlic
Ground cumin
Paprika
Turmeric
Coriander
Cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Wooden skewers
Plain yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic
Fresh mint

Variations

This recipe is versatile, making it easy to adapt to your lifestyle or taste preferences.

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the marinade.
Low-Calorie: Use skinless chicken tenderloins to reduce fats and calories.
Spice Adjustments: Add more cayenne for a spicy kick, or skip it altogether if you prefer mild flavors.
Add Veggies: Thread some bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or onions onto the skewers for extra color and nutrients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade.
Knife: To cut chicken into cubes.
Cutting board: For safe and clean chopping.
Baking sheet: To place the skewers for cooking.
Wire rack: Ensures even cooking of the skewers while keeping them juicy.

How to Make Chicken Skewers in the Oven?

Making these chicken skewers is easy and fun! Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade 🥣

Start by mixing plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This aromatic blend is what gives the chicken its incredible flavor.

Step 2: Cut and Marinate the Chicken 🍗

Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Toss the cubes into the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prep Skewers 🔥

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup lets heat circulate evenly. Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers 🧑‍🍳

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to ensure even cooking. You can add veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor if you want.

Step 5: Bake the Skewers ✔️

Arrange the skewers on the wire rack and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking for an even char. For extra golden edges, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce 🥄

While the skewers bake, mix yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped mint, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and keep it chilled until serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy 🎉

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), take it out and allow it to rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve the skewers hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marination process. Allow at least an hour for the chicken to soak up all the flavors.
Cut Even Sizes: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken cooks to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Chill the Sauce: A cold dipping sauce pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced chicken.

How to Serve Chicken Skewers in the Oven?

Arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve them alongside fluffy rice, flatbreads, or a crisp green salad. Add lemon wedges for a zesty finishing touch. These skewers are also an excellent appetizer for parties, paired with other small bites.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits per serving of these delicious skewers:

Calories: 220
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 10g

Make Ahead and Storage

These chicken skewers are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead to save time, making them even more flavorful.

Refrigeration

Once cooled, store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to retain their juicy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, pack the cooked skewers in freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Chicken skewers in the oven are a simple yet impressive dish that anyone can master. Try them today and enjoy a meal that feels like a restaurant treat made right at home!

Step-by-step help in this video: