Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is a true weeknight hero: juicy, smoky chicken paired with a creamy, herby yogurt sauce that brightens every bite. This Mediterranean-inspired main course is not only easy to pull together, but it also manages to feel special with its bold spices and fresh herbs. Whether you’re firing up the backyard grill or using a stovetop pan, this recipe is a surefire way to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is how each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor and texture. These simple pantry staples and fresh elements come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded evenly for juicy, quick-cooking results.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the spice rub stick to the chicken while keeping it moist.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the yogurt sauce, bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick and depth to the marinade and sauce.
- Paprika: Infuses the chicken with a smoky warmth and lovely color.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers savory, aromatic notes in the marinade without overpowering the chicken.
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy base for the sauce, adding tang and protein.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the yogurt sauce and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced for a punch of sharp, fresh flavor in the sauce.
- Fresh Dill: Brings a burst of herby freshness and classic Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a clean, grassy flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Fine-tunes the seasoning in the yogurt sauce for the perfect finish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and stay extra moist. Use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin, placing the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Even thickness means every bite will be perfectly juicy.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This simple marinade is what gives Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce its signature flavor—warmth from the spices, richness from the oil, and just the right amount of savoriness. Rub every nook and cranny of the chicken with this mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors soak in.
Step 3: Mix the Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken marinates, take a small bowl and stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The sauce should taste tangy, fresh, and herby—exactly the kind of thing you want to dollop over grilled chicken. Pop the sauce in the fridge until it’s time to eat; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grates and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for gorgeous grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. The marinade helps create a flavorful crust while keeping the inside succulent. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so all the juices redistribute.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it warm with a generous spoonful of the yogurt sauce on top or on the side. The contrast of smoky, tender chicken and cool, creamy sauce is what makes Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce so irresistible. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness. For a citrusy pop, try a few curls of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top never hurts either—this simple trick makes your plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice pilaf, warm pita bread, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa tabbouleh are also fantastic choices, soaking up any extra sauce and adding wholesome variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and layer it on a platter, then swirl the yogurt sauce artistically and scatter herbs on top for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a fun twist, serve everything as wraps: tuck chicken, sauce, and veggies into warm flatbreads for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Or, skewer the chicken before grilling for a party-friendly appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay juicy for up to 3 days, and the sauce remains fresh and flavorful for the same amount of time. Keeping them apart ensures the sauce doesn’t make the chicken soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken (without the yogurt sauce) for up to two months—just cool it completely before wrapping tightly and placing in a freezer-safe bag. The yogurt sauce is best made fresh, as freezing can change its texture and make it watery once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, or wrap in foil and bake at 325°F until heated through. Microwaving is quick, but can dry out the meat, so add a splash of water or broth if you go that route. Always add the yogurt sauce after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute and tend to be even juicier. They’ll soak up all the marinade flavors and work perfectly with the yogurt sauce. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is an excellent meal-prep option. You can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, and the yogurt sauce keeps well in the fridge. Assemble everything when you’re ready to eat for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop. You’ll still achieve a beautiful char and flavorful crust. Alternatively, bake the marinated chicken in a hot oven at 425°F until cooked through for a different (but still delicious) result.
Can I make the yogurt sauce dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt—such as coconut or almond-based varieties—for the Greek yogurt. The sauce will still be creamy, tangy, and perfect for spooning over your grilled chicken.
How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat?
As written, Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is mild and family-friendly. If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped fresh chili to the marinade. The yogurt sauce also cools things down, making it easy to tailor the heat level to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of smoky grilled chicken and cool, herby yogurt sauce, and this recipe for Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, invite your favorite people over, and get ready to savor every bite!
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Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken recipe served with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce packed with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and nutritious main course that combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with a refreshing homemade sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub this marinade mixture all over the chicken breasts thoroughly.
- Marinate: Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, around 375°F to 450°F, to ensure a perfect sear and juicy center.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken warm with a generous spoonful of the chilled yogurt sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of 30 minutes.
- Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
