Description
A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken recipe marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce. Perfect for summer grilling and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking for the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices before slicing or serving.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill or mint, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken breasts with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve alongside rice, flatbread, or a crisp, fresh salad to complete the meal.
- The yogurt sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
