Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with lemon and pepper, served alongside a tangy garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon zest 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.

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 olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and coat evenly; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Grill the marinated chicken thighs skin side down for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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-Pepper 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 Lemon-Pepper 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 Lemon-Pepper 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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