These Pesto Yogurt Chicken Kebabs stay tender on the grill thanks to a leisurely marinade in protein-rich Greek yogurt and basil pesto.
I shivered just a bit when I turned the page on the calendar this month. Not because I was cold, mind you, but because I realized that my kids only have a handful of days of school remaining. Am I ready for them to be home?
Yes.
And no.
It’s always an adjustment for both me and the kids to get used to our new routines. I need to balance my productivity with their fun camps/activities and a healthy dose of down time. (It IS summer, after all!) As I look at the calendar, I can already see that we have a few hectic weeks ahead of us. Those crazy nights are perfect for fast and easy meals like these Pesto Yogurt Chicken Kebabs.
June happens to be National Dairy Month, which couldn’t be a more fitting tie-in to this recipe. Kebabs can easily dry out on the grill as you wait for all of the pieces to cook through. Not in this recipe. Protein-rich Greek yogurt combines with fresh-from-the-garden basil pesto to create a super fast, savory marinade for the chicken. Pop this in the fridge in the morning, and you’ll have flavorful kebabs ready for the grill by dinner time. My family couldn’t believe how moist and tender the chicken becomes from the yogurt bath. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak some extra dairy-rich nutrients (like calcium, vitamin D and potassium) into your diet. If you haven’t tried it before, it’s a must!
Looking for more ways to enjoy dairy in June? The American Dairy Association’s Facebook and Pinterest pages have loads of dairy-inspired ideas. Or check out these moo-volous recipes from our fellow dairy-lovin’ bloggers:
Greek Yogurt Pops by Dessert for Two
S’Mores Ice Cream Sandwich by Lemons for Lulu
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fruit Dip by The Lemon Bowl
Chorizo Croque Monsieur by Climbing Grier Mountain
Java Chip Milkshake by Inside BruCrew Life
Avocado Bean Dip by Shugary Sweets
Creamy Pea Salad by The Law Student’s Wife
Also, if you’re a Twitter fan, check out our Twitter party celebrating National Dairy Month on Wednesday, June 11th from 9-10 pm (ET). The American Dairy Association Mideast (@ADAMideast) will help us kick off summer by sharing delicious seasonal recipes, fitness tips and suggestions for family fun in the sun. Simply follow the hashtag #BarnParty join the conversation. Hope to see MOO there!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the ADA Mideast, but you know we never say no to anything dairy. All opinions are our own.
Yields 4
10 hrPrep Time
5 minCook Time
10 hr, 5 Total Time
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 (10.5 oz) container cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Stir together the Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup basil pesto and garlic in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the bowl and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8-10 hours. (I did about 10 hours, and it was seriously moist chicken!)
- Preheat grill to medium high heat.
- When ready to assemble, place cherry tomatoes in a small bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto and stir to coat. Alternate chicken and tomatoes on skewers. Sprinkle kebabs with salt and pepper. Lightly oil grill grates and grill for 3 minutes on one side, turn skewers and finish grilling for another 2 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Notes
- If you’re using wooden skewers like I did, make sure you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them on the grill.
This is my ideal dinner any night of the week!!
Me, too, Liz!
Another use for greek yogurt! hooray!
You can never have enough uses for Greek yogurt, right?
These look and sound fabulous!!!
Thanks, Mimi!
What a great way to use Greek yogurt! These kebabs sound so good!
Thanks, Jessica. I love finding more ways to use Greek yogurt!
I adore kebabs! Never thought to put pesto and yogurt together! Sounds amazing:)
It’s one tasty combo, Lauren!
I love pesto, by the spoonful. And with yogurt? YUM!!!
Pesto can’t be beat!
These look perfect for a summer meal. I feel the same way about school ending!
Phew! I’m glad I’m not the only one freaking out about school wrapping up!
What a simple, flavorful meal! Always looking for great weeknight dinners!
I’m with you, Nicole; bring on the easy summer meals!
I am so not ready for my kids to be home all day all summer! Is that horrible? Of course our schedule is already full too, so it really shouldn’t be bad. But down time and these awesome kabobs need to be part of my life!!! Such a fun use for yogurt!
There is something festive about having kabobs. Maybe because I never had one until I was well into my adulthood. OMG—-was I deprived? Well I guess I will have to make up for it now as an adult. These are simple and elegant and would make great appetizers too.
Ooooh, good thought about using them as appetizers, Carol!
Great use of yogurt. That chicken looks super moist!
Ohhhhh this sounds so delicious!