Green Goddess Chicken Skewers are a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken. Marinated in a herby Green Goddess dressing, the chicken turns out juicy, fragrant, and full of zesty flavor. I love threading it onto skewers for easy grilling and serving—it makes a beautiful presentation that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it’s both healthy and indulgent. The marinade is packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of creaminess that keeps the chicken tender and full of flavor. Grilling gives it a smoky char, while the skewers make it easy to cook and fun to eat. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with salads, rice, or grilled veggies, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the marinade/Green Goddess sauce:
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives, cilantro, or tarragon)
- Garlic
- Anchovy or capers (optional, for umami)
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the skewers:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into chunks)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- I start by blending the Green Goddess ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- I reserve a small portion of the sauce for serving, then use the rest as a marinade.
- I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade. I cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, I soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning (if I’m not using metal skewers).
- I thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- I grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- I serve hot with the reserved Green Goddess sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 12 minutes to cook—so I usually have it ready in under an hour (not including longer marinating time if I let it rest).
Variations
- I sometimes add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion to the skewers for a complete meal.
- For a spicier kick, I blend in a fresh jalapeño or chili flakes into the marinade.
- If I want a dairy-free version, I use avocado or tahini in place of yogurt.
- I’ve also roasted the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) when grilling isn’t an option.
- A sprinkle of feta or parmesan on top adds extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet or oven to keep them juicy. They also taste great cold, sliced into salads or wraps. I don’t recommend freezing after cooking, but I sometimes freeze the marinated raw chicken for easy make-ahead meals.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through.
What cut of chicken works best?
I like thighs for juiciness, but breasts work just as well if I don’t overcook them.
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, but I avoid going beyond 12 hours, especially with yogurt or lemon juice, since it can start to break down the chicken too much.
Do I have to use skewers?
No, I sometimes just marinate whole chicken breasts or thighs and grill or bake them directly. The skewers just make serving fun and easy.
What can I serve these skewers with?
I like them with rice pilaf, couscous, grilled veggies, or a fresh green salad. They also pair nicely with flatbread and extra sauce.
Conclusion
Green Goddess Chicken Skewers are juicy, herby, and full of fresh flavor that feels light yet satisfying. I love how easy they are to prepare and how beautifully they present, whether I’m serving them at a cookout or as a weeknight dinner. With their bright marinade and smoky char, these skewers always bring a little extra magic to the table.
PrintGreen Goddess Chicken Skewers
Green Goddess Chicken Skewers are juicy grilled chicken pieces marinated in a fresh, herby Green Goddess dressing. Packed with vibrant flavor from garlic, lemon, and herbs, these skewers are perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight meals. Serve with extra sauce for dipping and your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the marinade/Green Goddess sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives, cilantro, or tarragon)
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Blend all Green Goddess sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Reserve a few tablespoons of the sauce for serving. Pour the rest over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Serve hot with reserved sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to skewers for a complete meal.
- Blend in jalapeño or chili flakes for heat.
- Use avocado or tahini instead of yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Oven option: roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once.
- Top with feta or parmesan for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg