If ever there was a summertime dish that could win the hearts (and appetites) of family and friends, it’s Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce. Juicy, perfectly charred chicken breasts meet the tangy, creamy embrace of a vibrant Greek yogurt sauce, ready to transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a fun backyard get-together or simply bringing bold flavors to your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste and feels like a breath of fresh air on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce reads like a who’s-who of flavor boosters—every one of these staples brings something important to the party. From the smoky notes of paprika to the cooling tang of Greek yogurt, each item plays a starring role in both taste and texture, resulting in a dish that’s both simple and impressive.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up marinades and grilling to juicy perfection.
- Greek Yogurt: This thick, tangy yogurt tenderizes the chicken and creates that essential creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps the chicken stay moist on the grill.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses both the marinade and sauce with deliciously aromatic zing.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens everything up and brings a little zing to the yogurt sauce.
- Ground Cumin: Offers earthy, smoky undertones that deepen the marinade’s flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings color and a subtly spicy, smoky complexity to the chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Can’t skip these—you need them to wake up all the other ingredients.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of color for that final flourish.
- For the Yogurt Sauce: Another cup of plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, one clove garlic (minced), fresh dill or mint, plus salt and pepper to taste. This simple combo is what takes your grilled chicken from good to “wow, can I have the recipe?”
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing up the magic: whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This creamy, fragrant marinade does more than add flavor—it ensures your chicken turns out extra juicy and never dry. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over top, and turn the chicken until it’s well-coated. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (but up to 8 hours if you want maximum flavor).
Step 2: Preheat and Grill
When you’re nearly ready to eat, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Pull the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off (no need to wipe it all off—the bits of yogurt help with color and moisture!). Grill each chicken breast for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re aiming for beautifully defined grill marks and a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Let those gorgeous pieces rest briefly on a cutting board—the juices redistribute and the flavor deepens.
Step 3: Stir Up the Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken is working its magic on the grill, whip up the yogurt sauce. Simply stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, one clove minced garlic, and plenty of chopped fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper, then give it a taste—it should be creamy, cool, and a little bit zingy from the citrus and herbs. If you’re making this ahead, just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Slice each chicken breast into thick, juicy strips, then serve on a platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous dollop of yogurt sauce over each portion and scatter with parsley or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish. Now, you’re ready for that much-anticipated first bite of Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final touch! Fresh parsley or cilantro elevates both the look and flavor, but you can also experiment with extra herbs like dill or mint for an herbal twist. A little sprinkle of smoked paprika across the top adds drama and a subtle kick—the kind of finishing touch that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This juicy Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, tender couscous, or warm flatbreads that are just begging to be swiped through the sauce. Add a crisp salad or grilled vegetables to round out the meal with fresh crunch and color. Don’t forget: lemon wedges on the side are a perfect palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood to get a little playful, try serving the chicken sliced inside pita pockets with plenty of sauce and crunchy veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. Arrange an elegant platter for a dinner party, or serve the chicken and yogurt sauce alongside grain bowls topped with roasted veggies and chickpeas. Leftovers even make a killer chicken salad for lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce should be cooled completely before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The yogurt sauce can also be stored separately in a small container in your fridge, which helps keep it fresh and prevents the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, the grilled chicken (without sauce) freezes beautifully! Simply wrap in foil or plastic wrap and tuck into a freezer bag; it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, make the yogurt sauce fresh just before serving—freezing can change its smoothness.
Reheating
To get that just-grilled flavor back, gently reheat chicken slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. The yogurt sauce is best served cold, straight from the fridge, but give it a good stir before spooning over your warm chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill and soak up the marinade’s flavorful spicing just as well as breasts. Adjust grilling time as needed, since thighs may cook a touch faster or slower depending on thickness.
Can I make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep the marinade and let the chicken soak for up to 8 hours in the fridge. The yogurt sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just stir before serving for the freshest flavor.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain whole-milk regular yogurt works well; it will be a bit runnier, but the flavor will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, try a thick, plain coconut yogurt for similar creaminess.
How do I keep chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Let the chicken sit undisturbed on the grill for a few minutes before flipping; this helps develop a crust so it releases more easily. Brushing a tiny bit of oil on the chicken right before grilling also helps prevent sticking.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Definitely. Lay the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll still get great flavor, even if you miss out on those grill marks!
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation—it’s vibrant, crowd-pleasing, and honestly so easy you’ll want to make it all year long. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and let every bite transport you to sunny days and bright flavors. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for grilled chicken with yogurt sauce is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken pairs wonderfully with the tangy and creamy yogurt sauce, creating a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that is perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional for garnish)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken with a dollop of yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs.
- Serve with rice, flatbread, or a crisp salad.
- The yogurt sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
