Chicken Kebab Salad Bowl (Yoghurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon Yoghurt Dressing)

Yoghurt-marinated chicken kebab salad bowls bring the flavour of charred, spiced grilled chicken into a lighter dinner format. Boneless chicken thighs are coated in Greek yoghurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin and coriander, giving the meat a savoury warmth and helping it stay succulent on the grill. Served over crisp romaine, cucumber, tomato and red onion, the chicken has enough richness to feel filling without making the bowl heavy. A lemon yoghurt dressing ties everything together with cool acidity, making this a practical warm-weather meal that still has proper depth of flavour.
Cuisine style Indian-inspired grilled chicken
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Make-ahead friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Spiced marinade: Greek yoghurt carries the garlic, ginger and ground spices so they cling to the chicken before grilling.
  • Fresh contrast: Charred, tender chicken sits over crisp salad vegetables with a cool yoghurt dressing for balance.
  • Bright finish: Lemon in both the marinade and dressing cuts through the creamy yoghurt and keeps the bowl lively.
  • Efficient timing: The chicken can marinate briefly while the salad is prepared, keeping the recipe practical for a weeknight dinner.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Use chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs stay juicy over medium-high grill heat and suit the short yoghurt marinade.
  • Greek yoghurt texture: Greek yoghurt gives the marinade body and makes a creamy dressing; loosen the dressing gradually until it is pourable.
  • Spice blend variation: Garam masala gives a warm, aromatic profile; curry powder can be used for a different but still spiced result.

Common mistakes

  • Grill heat matters: Too low a heat can make the yoghurt marinade steam rather than char, while excessive heat can scorch the outside before the chicken cooks through.
  • Slice after resting: Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing so the juices settle and the meat stays tender.
  • Dress at the end: Add the lemon yoghurt dressing just before serving to keep the romaine and cucumber crisp.

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler bowl: Use a little less garam masala and keep the lemon yoghurt dressing cool and generous.
  • For more heat: Add a pinch of chilli powder or sliced fresh chilli to the marinade for a sharper kick.
  • Keep it balanced: Extra lemon in the dressing helps lift the spices without making the bowl feel heavy.

Make-ahead tips

  • Keep components separate: Store the chicken, salad and dressing in separate containers so the vegetables stay crisp.
  • Reheat the chicken gently: Warm the chicken in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, then slice and serve over the salad.
  • Assemble just before eating: Build the bowls at the last moment so the dressing coats the salad without wilting it.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. In a mixing bowl, combine most of the greek yogurt with the garlic, ginger root, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, fine sea salt and black pepper. Finely grate in a little lemon zest and squeeze in half the lemon juice. Reserve the remaining greek yogurt and the rest of the lemon for the dressing.
  2. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the spiced yoghurt and turn to coat well. Set aside to marinate while you prep the salad, or for up to 30 minutes if you have time. If marinating longer, keep it in the fridge.
  3. Heat a grill to medium-high. Brush the grill with a little rapeseed oil, then grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until charred at the edges and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Meanwhile, chop the romaine lettuce, cucumber and tomato, and thinly slice the red onion. Toss together in a bowl and season lightly with a pinch of fine sea salt and a little black pepper. Divide between two bowls.
  5. Whisk the reserved greek yogurt with the remaining lemon juice and a splash of water to loosen to a pourable dressing. Taste and adjust with a little more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and spoon over the lemon yoghurt dressing.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best char, let any excess marinade drip off the chicken before it hits the grill, and avoid moving it for the first few minutes so it can colour properly.
  • If you are cooking for anyone vulnerable to food poisoning, use pasteurised greek yogurt and make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through with no pink in the centre.

Substitutions

  • Replace rapeseed oil with olive oil for grilling and loosening the dressing.
  • Replace garam masala with curry powder for a different but still warming spice profile.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store the chicken, salad and dressing separately in the fridge for the best texture. Reheat the chicken in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until piping hot, and dress the salad just before serving.

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Chicken Kebab Salad Bowl (Yoghurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon Yoghurt Dressing)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 50min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly

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