Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Roasted Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh citrus and herbs, served with a smooth roasted garlic sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes blends lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil 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 320 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: 50 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp finely chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). While the grill heats, place 6 whole garlic cloves (unpeeled) in a small foil pouch and roast directly on the grill for 15 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Once garlic cloves are cool enough, squeeze the softened garlic pulp into a small bowl and mix with 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken breasts topped with 2 tbsp of the roasted garlic sauce per serving, enjoying the bright citrus-herb flavor enhanced by the mellow garlic yogurt.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 70 minutes (50 min prep + 20 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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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