Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, garlic, and creamy yogurt to tenderize and infuse bright sour flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice 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: 15 min Cook: 12 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 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, whisking until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is charred in spots but juicy inside.
  5. Step 5: Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes before serving to seal in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

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 plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

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 Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs 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 Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

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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