Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, paired with a tangy sumac-spiced yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, sealing the bag and massaging to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have grill marks.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp ground sumac, and 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and chill until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped with a generous spoonful of the sumac yogurt sauce and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac 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 Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac 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 Herbed Citrus Grilled Chicken with Sumac 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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