If you are craving a meal that is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors yet remains comforting and simple to prepare, this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, perfectly charred chicken meets a cooling, creamy yogurt sauce that delivers an irresistible balance of zest and herbaceous notes. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a summer barbecue or just want a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a Mediterranean-inspired delight that satisfies every craving without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create the ultimate dish. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and inviting colors that make this dish truly special.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein; both grill beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while grilling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses both the marinade and yogurt sauce with wonderful savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy note that complements the grilled meat perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Provides bright acidity to tenderize the meat and brighten the marinade.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The base of the versatile, creamy sauce with a tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce): Gives the yogurt sauce a silky texture and depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce): Lends added freshness and zing to balance the richness of yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley: Injects a lively herbaceous punch that livens up every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce): Tailors the yogurt sauce to your preferred seasoning level, making it perfect.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl to create a fragrant marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, let it rest up to 4 hours. This step is where the chicken absorbs all those gorgeous Mediterranean spices, setting the foundation for an unforgettable meal.
Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix the Greek yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of chopped fresh dill or parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and chill this creamy sauce until you are ready to serve. The coolness and tang from the yogurt sauce create a delightful contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the edges have a nice char and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The grilling process seals in juices and imparts that classic smoky flavor.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and moist. Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to be drizzled or dipped in that luscious yogurt sauce.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key when it comes to garnish. A sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or dill not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s vibrant flavor profile. A wedge of lemon on the side is a fantastic option for those who want an extra splash of citrus brightness just before digging in.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, fluffy couscous, warm flatbread, or a crisp green salad. Each side complements the juicy chicken and cooling yogurt sauce, rounding out the meal with balance and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your grilled chicken on flatbreads topped with dollops of yogurt sauce, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick Mediterranean-inspired wrap. Alternatively, slice the chicken over a bed of mixed greens and scatter some olives and cherry tomatoes to elevate your plate visually and tastewise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled chicken and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the freshness of the sauce and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months by wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it into a freezer-safe container. However, for best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and keep the yogurt sauce fresh in the fridge instead of freezing it.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until warm. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out. Serve immediately with chilled yogurt sauce for that perfect balance of temperatures and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and remain tender on the grill, making them a great choice for this recipe. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is ideal because it’s thick and creamy, which helps the sauce cling well to the chicken and provide a tangy contrast. Regular plain yogurt can work, but you might want to strain it to remove excess liquid for a similar consistency.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is enough to impart flavor, marinating for up to 4 hours allows the spices and lemon juice to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in even tastier and more tender meat.
Can I grill this recipe indoors?
Definitely! Using a grill pan on your stove works perfectly. Just preheat it well and watch the cooking time closely to get those lovely grill marks and charred flavor.
What can I add to the marinade for some heat?
If you like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade. It’ll add a subtle spicy warmth that pairs wonderfully with the cool yogurt sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home kitchen with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The ease of preparation combined with bold, fresh flavors makes this dish a surefire winner for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new weeknight favorite that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
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Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce recipe features tender and flavorful marinated chicken breasts or thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with different herbs or proteins.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill or parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken and serve it drizzled with the yogurt sauce or with the sauce on the side.
Notes
- Serve with rice, couscous, flatbread, or over a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the chicken with lamb or another protein of your choice.
- The yogurt sauce also works well as a dip for fresh vegetables.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you prefer a spicy kick.
