Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in tangy yogurt and herbs, grilled until golden, paired with a crisp cucumber salad for a bright, balanced meal. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Place 1.5 lbs chicken breasts in a resealable bag, pour marinade over them, and seal. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and place on grill. Cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1 peeled and diced cucumber (1/2-inch cubes), 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and let sit 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slice grilled chicken and serve immediately with cucumber salad on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

American grilling 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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