Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, served alongside a cooling herb-infused yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken grills, stir together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a generous dollop of the herb yogurt sauce for a bright, savory balance.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Herb 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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