Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cooling Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends fresh squeezed Orange juice, fresh squeezed Lemon 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 finely diced English cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well and chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken breasts topped with 2 tbsp of the cooling yogurt sauce per serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cooling 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-Marinated Chicken with Cooling 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-Marinated Chicken with Cooling 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-Marinated Chicken with Cooling 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.

Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cooling Yogurt Sauce high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes