Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt, cardamom, and lemon, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh cucumber-tomato topping. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 24 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, plain Greek yogurt, large (zest and juice) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1 tablespoon sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Brush grates with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Serve with cucumber-onion topping and 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain greek yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Cardamom-Yogurt Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Cucumber?

Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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