Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

These Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce are a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and herby flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich Mediterranean notes, while the creamy yogurt sauce provides a cool and refreshing contrast. It’s an easy, healthy, and delicious meal that’s great for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this dish is both simple and impressive. The grilled chicken is perfectly charred on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, and the tzatziki-style sauce adds a layer of creaminess that complements the bold flavors. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies, a fresh Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a complete meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat, unflavored)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 pinch kosher salt

Directions:

1. In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper. Let it marinate while preparing the sauce.
2. In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, chopped dill, garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Preheat your grill to 350°F (medium heat) and lightly oil the grates.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Serve hot with the chilled yogurt sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 436 kcal | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, and meal prep. This recipe features juicy, marinated chicken skewers paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce, creating a perfect balance of smoky and refreshing flavors. Not only is this dish packed with protein, but it also brings classic Greek flavors to your table in just 35 minutes. The marinade enhances the tenderness of the chicken while the yogurt sauce, similar to tzatziki, adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you are trying to eat healthily, looking for a quick meal, or exploring Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe is an absolute winner.

Greek and Mediterranean Influence

Grilled meats are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cultures. The idea of marinating meat in a combination of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before grilling it over an open flame is centuries old. Traditional Greek souvlaki—which consists of skewered, marinated meat grilled to perfection—is one of the inspirations behind this dish. The yogurt sauce in this recipe is similar to tzatziki, a beloved Greek condiment made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint. Tzatziki is commonly served with grilled meats, pita bread, or as a refreshing dip. This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce combines both elements—juicy, marinated grilled chicken and a creamy, cooling yogurt sauce—to create a modern, home-friendly version of a Greek classic.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

• The combination of savory, tangy, and creamy elements makes this dish incredibly satisfying. The grilled chicken, with its slightly smoky and charred exterior, pairs perfectly with the fresh, creamy yogurt sauce.

Healthy and Nutritious

This dish is low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients:

• Chicken breast is a lean protein source, making it ideal for muscle building and weight management.
• Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein, supporting gut health and bone strength.
• Olive oil provides healthy fats that promote heart health.
• Fresh herbs like dill offer anti-inflammatory properties and enhance digestion.

Quick and Easy to Make

• With a 20-minute prep time and a 15-minute cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute meal idea. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and easy to find at any grocery store.

Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different natural sweetness.
• Add spices like paprika or cumin for extra depth of flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled tofu or halloumi.

Great for Meal Prep

• This recipe stores well and can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent meal prep option. The grilled chicken can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in many ways:

1. Classic Greek Plate

Pair the chicken with:

• Warm pita bread
• Fresh Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta)
• Roasted potatoes or rice pilaf

Low-Carb Option

• Serve with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Wrap or Pita Pocket

• Stuff the grilled chicken into a warm pita or tortilla.
• Add lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and extra tzatziki for a delicious Greek wrap.

Bowl Meal

• Layer the grilled chicken over quinoa or brown rice.
• Top with hummus, tzatziki, and fresh veggies for a Mediterranean bowl.

Variations and Customizations

Different Proteins

• Replace chicken with shrimp, lamb, tofu, or halloumi.
• Use beef or turkey skewers for variety.

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Mix harissa paste into the yogurt sauce for extra heat.

Dairy-Free Alternative

• Substitute coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt.
• Use hummus or tahini sauce instead of tzatziki.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator:

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the yogurt sauce refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in foil and store in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
• Do not freeze the yogurt sauce (it loses texture).

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat chicken in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Use the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to your home. With tender, marinated chicken and a creamy, refreshing yogurt sauce, this meal is perfect for weeknights, summer BBQs, or meal prep. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for any diet. Plus, with so many ways to serve and customize it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and bring the taste of Greece to your table!