If you’re dreaming of vibrant flavors, juicy chicken, and a sauce so creamy you’ll want to lick the spoon, you simply can’t miss this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe. It’s the weeknight dinner hero at my house, perfect for when you crave something quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious. The Greek-inspired marinade keeps the chicken deliciously tender, and the tangy yogurt sauce takes everything over the top. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for yourself, this recipe guarantees a plateful of sunshine and flavor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe comes together with just a handful of fresh and pantry staples. Every ingredient plays an important role, ensuring the finished dish sings with Mediterranean flavors and irresistible texture.
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless breasts or thighs; thighs are especially juicy if you prefer rich flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade flavors penetrate deeply into the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Brightness and zing—this is key for both marinade and yogurt sauce!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers punchy aroma and depth in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb for an earthy touch.
- Ground cumin: Provides warm, toasty notes that pair beautifully with yogurt.
- Salt & black pepper: Make every flavor pop—don’t skimp!
- Greek yogurt: Rich and creamy, perfect for a cooling, tangy sauce.
- Fresh dill or mint: Chopped herbs add fresh color and lift the yogurt sauce to another level.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add the chicken, turning to coat every piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the longer, the more succulent and flavorful your chicken will be. You can even prep this early in the day and forget about it until dinner time!
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. A properly preheated grill gives the chicken enticing grill marks and helps prevent sticking. Give the grates a quick oil if needed. While the grill heats, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip away—this keeps flare-ups to a minimum and gets you that beautiful caramelization.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Resist the temptation to move it too soon—let it sear for those classic golden grill stripes. Once done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest a few minutes before slicing (this keeps all those juices inside where they belong).
Step 4: Make the Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This sauce is so vibrant and fresh, it practically begs to be spooned generously over each serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the juicy grilled chicken on plates and top each portion with a big dollop of yogurt sauce. The combination of smoky chicken and tangy, herby sauce is pure magic. Offer extra sauce on the side—trust me, people will ask for seconds!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your platter with a scattering of fresh chopped herbs, a sprinkle of sumac or smoked paprika, and maybe a few lemon wedges for good measure. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil shines beautifully on the yogurt sauce, making each bite look and taste even more luxurious.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm pita, a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables. For a hearty meal, serve with herbed couscous or even over a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, slice the grilled chicken and tuck it into flatbreads with greens and veggies, or pile it onto a colorful mezze platter. You can even cut the chicken into cubes and serve on skewers for a crowd-pleasing, hands-on dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken and yogurt sauce keep beautifully in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container—once cooled, it stays tasty and tender for up to three days. Store the yogurt sauce separately in a sealed jar so it remains extra fresh and creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to two months—just slice or shred it first for fastest thawing. Let it cool completely, then tuck into freezer-safe bags. The yogurt sauce is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change its texture.
Reheating
To warm the chicken, use a microwave or gently reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. Always add the yogurt sauce after reheating, as high heat can cause it to separate. Give the sauce a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain ultra-juicy when grilled, and they soak up the marinade flavors beautifully. Whether you use breasts or thighs, you’ll end up with a delicious result.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A grill pan or even a cast iron skillet on the stovetop works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get those lovely sear marks and flavor.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 8 hours?
While marinating for 8 hours is ideal for maximum flavor, even 30 minutes will yield tasty, tender results. If you’re in a rush, give it as much time as you can—every little bit helps infuse the chicken with flavor!
Can I use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still wonderfully creamy and tangy. Full-fat yogurt is richest, but all varieties work well in this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe.
How far in advance can I make the yogurt sauce?
The yogurt sauce actually tastes even better if made ahead. Make it up to three days in advance and store tightly covered in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld and deepen over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright delightful about how easy and tasty this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is—and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll love every flavor-packed, juicy bite. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your kitchen table!
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Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the succulent flavors of grilled chicken with a creamy yogurt sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: Whisk together all yogurt sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken with a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Use bone-in thighs or skewers for variety.
- The yogurt sauce can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
