Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Looking for a flavor-packed meal that’s fresh, healthy, and easy to prepare? These Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites are a perfect blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and rich garlic yogurt sauce — great for a main course, a salad-topper, or a hearty wrap.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For Grilled Chicken:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juice
1tbsp dried oregano
1tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using)
For Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
1tbsp lemon juice
1tbsp chopped dill or mint (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, and a generous amount of salt and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for maximum flavor).
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning.
Thread the Chicken:
If using skewers, thread the chicken pieces evenly. Otherwise, cook them directly on the grill in a grill basket.
Grill the Chicken:
Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
Combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs (dill or mint), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
Serve:
Serve the grilled chicken bites warm alongside the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Pair with pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
Marinate for maximum flavor:
Let your chicken marinate in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or oregano), and a bit of sumac or paprika for at least 30 minutes — or up to 12 hours — for deep flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the grill:
Cook in batches if needed, so each piece gets a nice char instead of steam-cooking.
Cook to proper temperature:
Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Rest before serving:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill — this helps keep it juicy.
Variations:
Add veggies:
Thread in some colorful veggies like zucchini, red peppers, or red onions alongside the chicken for a complete meal-on-a-skewer.
Switch up the protein:
Consider swapping chicken with lamb, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a different flavor profile.
Adjust the yogurt sauce:
Add chopped cucumber and dill for a tzatziki-like sauce, or blend in tahini for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Serve in different ways:
Bowl: Pair with quinoa, rice, or couscous, along with diced tomato, olives, and fetta.
Pita wrap: Fill warm pita bread with chicken, diced veggies, and a generous spoon of garlic yogurt sauce.
Salad: Serve over a Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and red onion.
Q&A
Q: What are Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites?
A: They are small, tender chicken pieces marinated in Mediterranean herbs and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection. They’re typically served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, adding a rich flavor contrast.
Q: What kind of marinade is used for the chicken?
A: The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a bit of black pepper — all ingredients that celebrate the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Q: How do I make the garlic yogurt sauce?
A: Combine plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, diced cucumber, chopped dill, and a pinch of sea salt. Chill for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Q: Are these Grilled Chicken Bites healthy?
A: Yes — they’re high in lean protein, rich in healthy fats, low in calories, and a great option for a meal prep or a low-carb diet.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4–5 chicken bites with sauce)
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrate: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites with Garlic Yogurt Sauce combine rich flavor with healthy ingredients, making them a perfect meal for a light dinner, a meal prep option, or a picnic. The creamy, tangy yogurt sauce beautifully complements the well-seasoned, tender chicken — delivering a meal that’s both satisfying and good for you.