Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce for balance and richness. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends skin on bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon zest into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side down and grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and charred at edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken thighs hot with a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

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 Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce 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 Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken 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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