If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender to the bite, and wonderfully refreshing, then this Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. The magic starts with a luscious Greek yogurt base that not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with a tangy, herbaceous kick. Tossed on the grill, these juicy, marinated chicken pieces develop a captivating char that perfectly complements the cool, creamy herb dipping sauce on the side. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or impressing guests, this dish balances vibrant Mediterranean flavors and easy preparation like no other.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board set on a white marbled surface, with several clear glass bowls arranged neatly. In the largest bowl at the bottom right, there are many pieces of raw light pink chicken chunks. Above it to the right, a medium bowl is filled with fluffy white creamy cheese. To its left, a small bowl holds a golden yellow liquid, likely oil, and next to it, another small bowl contains a small amount of Dijon mustard colored yellow. At the bottom left, a small bowl holds a darker amber liquid, while another tiny bowl below it contains a very dark brown liquid. On the upper left corner, there is a bright yellow whole lemon and next to it three whole garlic cloves are laid out. Below them, a round bowl is divided into four sections, each holding green and beige dried herbs and spices. The overall scene is colorful, with the natural tones of raw chicken, lemon, and herbs all clearly visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that play together beautifully. Each element contributes to the dish’s bright taste, smooth texture, and eye-catching color, making the preparation straightforward yet utterly rewarding.

  • Whole Milk Greek Yogurt (1 cup): The star of the marinade that tenderizes and adds creamy tang.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, grated): For that bold punch of savory depth.
  • Lemons (2 medium): Both juice and zest bring fresh citrus brightness.
  • Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps meld flavors.
  • Honey (5 tablespoons): Balances tartness with a subtle sweetness.
  • Dried Parsley and Basil (2 teaspoons each): Earthy herbs that layer complex notes.
  • Dijon Mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a hint of sharpness in the marinade and sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances umami flavor.
  • Onion Powder and Dried Thyme (¾ teaspoon each): Gentle aromatics rounding out the mix.
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken (1½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even grilling.
  • Fresh Basil and Dill (1 tablespoon each, packed): For the herb dipping sauce’s fresh vibrancy.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Yogurt Marinade

Begin by combining the whole milk Greek yogurt with 3 grated garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Add olive oil, honey, dried parsley, dried basil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until the ingredients meld into a creamy, aromatic marinade. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that tenderizes the chicken, so get it just right!

Step 2: Reserve Marinade for Basting

Carefully remove about 1/3 cup of the marinade and refrigerate it separately. This reserved yogurt marinade will become your basting sauce, adding moisture and extra flavor as the chicken grills, ensuring every bite is juicy and fragrant.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add your cubed chicken breast or thighs to the remaining marinade and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours or, for maximum flavor, overnight. This step is essential for that tender, flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Make the Herb Dipping Sauce

Time to whip up the cool herb dipping sauce! Into a food processor, add Greek yogurt, one grated garlic clove, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh basil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Process until it’s beautifully smooth and well combined. This vibrant sauce provides a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky grilled chicken, making each bite pop with complexity.

Step 5: Preheat Grill and Skewer the Chicken

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches between 425 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, aiming for 4-6 pieces each. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning on the grill.

Step 6: Grill Marinated Chicken

Drain excess marinade from the chicken and pat the pieces mostly dry with paper towels. Give the chicken a light spray of cooking oil to help it sear evenly. Grill the skewers for 6 to 10 minutes, turning once, and generously baste during the last few minutes with the reserved yogurt marinade. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure perfect doneness.

Step 7: Let the Chicken Rest

Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a clean surface, tent them lightly with foil, and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. This step locks in the juices, so every morsel remains moist and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve Your Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe

Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter, drizzle some of the herb yogurt sauce over the top, and offer the remaining sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an enticing presentation that invites everyone to dig in immediately.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe

The image shows three grilled chicken skewers with golden brown char lines placed on a layer of small, round, creamy white couscous pearls on a white plate with a textured pattern. Drizzled over the chicken is a light green herb sauce, with small specks of herbs and spices. The couscous base is scattered with small pieces of white cheese and garnished with fresh dill. On the right side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and a green basil leaf nearby. In the bottom left corner, there is a bowl filled with more creamy herb sauce. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and dill sprinkled over the top bring a burst of color and fragrance, intensifying the Mediterranean vibe. A few lemon wedges add an inviting pop of brightness that guests can squeeze to their liking.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think fluffy couscous tossed with cherry tomatoes and cucumber, a crisp Greek salad, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Each side adds texture and freshness that complements the bold chicken flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the grilled chicken skewers family-style on a large platter with small bowls of the herb dipping sauce scattered around. Alternatively, turn them into pita wraps with tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions for a fun hand-held meal. These ideas add versatility, making the dish perfect for casual dinners or cocktail parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover grilled chicken and herb sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for quick lunches or easy dinner additions during a busy week.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze the marinated raw chicken before cooking. Store it tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and grill as usual for fresh, flavorful results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. To retain moisture, cover the chicken loosely with foil. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the tender grilled pieces.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier, making them an excellent choice if you prefer dark meat.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the yogurt and herbs to deeply infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderness.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking wooden or bamboo skewers for 20-30 minutes prevents them from charring on the grill while cooking your chicken perfectly.

Can I make the herb dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The herb dipping sauce actually tastes better after resting a few hours as the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Definitely! All the ingredients used in this Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe and delicious for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe is a true treasure to have in your culinary collection. It’s full of fresh, bright Mediterranean flavors, simple ingredient magic, and satisfying grilled goodness that comes together quickly and easily. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it—with every succulent bite, you’ll feel like you’re dining in the heart of Greece. Give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe

Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe


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4.3 from 66 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Greek Yogurt Chicken recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful Greek yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon, honey, and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a fresh herb yogurt dipping sauce. Perfect for a healthy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that is quick to prepare and packed with protein and vibrant flavors.


Ingredients

Greek Yogurt Marinade

  • 1 cup Whole Milk Greek Yogurt (227 grams)
  • 4 cloves Garlic – peeled and grated, divided
  • 2 medium Lemons – 4 tablespoons juice + 2 teaspoons zest, divided
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 5 tablespoons Honey, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Basil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • ¾ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ¾ teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • Kosher Salt to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon)
  • Ground Black Pepper to taste (approximately ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 ½ pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs, cut into 1 to 1.25-inch cubes

Herb Yogurt Sauce

  • ½ cup Greek Yogurt (113 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, packed
  • 1 clove Garlic, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt, heaping
  • Scant 1/8 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper


Instructions

  1. Make the Greek Yogurt Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt with 3 cloves grated garlic, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest, olive oil, 3 tablespoons honey, dried parsley, dried basil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
  2. Reserve Some Marinade: Remove 1/3 cup of the marinade and cover it. Set aside in the fridge to use as a basting sauce during grilling. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil to loosen if desired for easier basting.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the remaining marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors infuse the chicken.
  4. Make the Herb Dipping Sauce: In a food processor, combine ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh basil, fresh dill, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and a scant 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Preheat Grill and Prepare Chicken Skewers: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (425-450°F). Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Drain chicken from marinade and discard leftover marinade. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, placing 4–6 pieces per skewer. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand if using.
  6. Grill Marinated Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces mostly dry with paper towels and lightly spray with non-stick cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 6–10 minutes, turning once halfway through. During the last few minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Let Chicken Rest: Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the herb yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve the remaining herb sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • To scale the recipe, use the slider on the recipe card to adjust the number of servings easily.
  • If you have any questions or need clarification with any steps, feel free to ask in the comments section; assistance is gladly provided.
  • Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements.
  • For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers beforehand and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but a minimum of 4 hours will still produce great results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: dinner, entree
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

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