The perfect grilled chicken recipe, prepared Mediterranean-style! The secret is in the marinade with lots of great Mediterranean spices. And the dill Greek yogurt sauce is a must-try. I like to serve this grilled chicken with a few Mediterranean sides and salads; lots of ideas below. Be sure to watch the video for how to make this grilled chicken recipe.
More Grilling Recipes to Try: Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs, Kofta Kabobs, Easy Lemon Chicken, Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables, Grilled Cod Gyros
This time of the year, what mostly occupies my mind are things like the farmers' market, warm weather dinners, and firing up the grill. And one of my absolute favorite grilled dinners is this Mediterranean grilled chicken with a side of Greek dill yogurt sauce...and while the grill is on, I don't mind throwing on whatever vegetables I can get my hands on to make a lovely large grilled vegetables platter.
I'm telling you, this is summer dinners at their finest! And luckily, so easy to pull off!
Why this Grilled Chicken Recipe works
I like to use boneless skinless chicken thighs in this grilled chicken recipe. It's a personal preference; and I feel that you simply can't go wrong with boneless thighs, they are cheaper and juicier than chicken breasts.
But the big secret is really in the spices and marinade!
To give it bold Mediterranean flavors, I make a nice rub with lots of minced garlic and spices like allspice, nutmeg and cardamom. Then the spiced chicken thighs are placed in a large dish with lemon juice, olive oil and red onions. I prefer to let the chicken marinate in the fridge overnight, but if that is not possible, then for 2-4 hours or so before grilling.
When I made this grilled chicken last week, I almost whipped up a side of Tzatziki sauce (which would have been excellent), but I took a little detour and made this dill Greek yogurt dip or sauce on the side.
There are many easy savory Greek yogurt applications that I enjoy, this dill Greek yogurt sauce is certainly one of them. Two ingredient stars: dill and garlic! If you are garlic-shy or garlic-friendly, you can certainly adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
Every bite of this juicy, flavor-packed grilled chicken coupled with the dill yogurt sauce is absolute bliss! I hope you give it a try this weekend or sometime soon.
What else to serve with this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken?
There are many great sides and salads that compliment this grilled chicken recipe. Here are just a few ideas: Greek potatoes; Mediterranean Potato Salad; Italian Roasted Vegetables; Roasted Garlic Hummus; Balela Salad; Greek Salad; Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta.
Watch How to Make this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Recipe
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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken + Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: serves 8
Description
The perfect grilled chicken recipe, prepared Mediterranean-style! The secret is in the marinade with lots of great Mediterranean spices. The dill Greek yogurt sauce is a must-have! I like to serve this grilled chicken with a few Mediterranean sides and salads (see suggestions below!)
Ingredients
For the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill, stems removed
- 1 ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon or lime
- Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
- Salt, if needed
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground green cardamom
- Salt and pepper
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium size red onion, sliced
- Juice of 1-2 lemons
Instructions
- First make the dill Greek yogurt sauce. Combine the minced garlic, fresh dill, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a food processor. Run the food processor until all the ingredients are well blended and a smooth thick sauce or dip develops. Test and add salt if needed. Transfer to a small bowl or container, cover and refrigerate.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, spices and 3 tablespoon olive oil. Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub each with the garlic-spice mixture.
- Place the spiced chicken thighs in a large dish on a bed of sliced red onions with lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoon olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
- When ready, heat a gas grill to medium-high. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cover for 5-6 minutes, then turn the chicken over and grill for another 5-6 minutes covered.
- Serve with a side of the dill Greek yogurt dip you prepared earlier!
- To complete this light meal, add Greek potatoes or pita bread and a salad like Fattoush Salad.
Notes
- Cook's Tip: For best flavor, allow 2 to 4 hours for the chicken to marinate (refrigerated)
- Recommended for this Recipe: Our Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives!)
- Recommended for this recipe: All-natural ground Paprika, All-Spice, Cardamom, and Nutmeg.
- SAVE! Create your own 6-pack of spices here Or try our Ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle.
- Visit our store to browse our spices, olive oils and bundles!
- The dill Greek yogurt sauce will keep well overnight, but you may have to discard any extra moisture that shows up on top. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- To be sure the chicken is done, your thermometer, testing the thickest part of the chicken, should register 165 degrees F.
- You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Grilled Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Dill Greek Yogurt,
SHOP THE MEDITERRANEAN DISH
Chris Diaz says
This the most flavorful chicken, ever! The dill sauce is great on sandwiches fish and as a dip with pita chips. I cooked it in my mini convection oven. I know it will be even better on the grill. Thank you for the recipe - you Rock.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Thanks so much for the awesome review!
Gina says
I’d like to thank you for all your wonderful recipes. Simple and amazing. I’ve tried many of them. Thank you for all your had work.
Do you ship to Canada
★★★★★
Suzy says
Hi, Gina! Thank you so much. Unfortunately, we don't ship to Canada at the moment, I'm sorry :(.
Dana says
Do you have some instructions for cooking in the oven if a grill or stovetop isn't available? TIA
Suzy says
Hi, Dana. I have not tried it this way myself, but I would say set it to 375 degrees F. You'll need to bake the chicken until the internal temperature is about 170 degrees F; it could take about 30 mins or so, but that will depend on your oven.
Sharon says
What do you do with the red onions while grilling the chicken? Can they be cooked as well?
Suzy says
Hi, Sharon. I discard the onions after marinating.
Sharon says
This chicken recipe is delicious!
Suzy says
Thank you so much, Sharon!
A OGrady says
I did not want to waste the onions so I sautéed them on the stove and served them on my chicken.
Debbie says
If unable to use a grill for the chicken breasts, what other options would be best. Thanks
Suzy says
Hi, Debbie. You can make these in a pan or skillet on the stove-top. Add a little extra virgin olive oil and warm over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking and cook the chicken till done (turning over once). Internal temp should be at 165 degrees F. Enjoy!
Julie says
I love dill but my family is not a fan.What herb can I substitute in place of Dill?
Suzy says
Hi, Julie. In this case, I would actually switch out the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce and use Tzatziki Sauce instead.
Zany♡ says
I made this!! For the boys at home. They loved it very much. SUCH a shame that I cudnt taste them as I dont take anything with feathers!!.
Your recipes simply Sizzle just like you! Suzy always sizzle!!
Yep grilled onions 👍👍👍
Suzy says
Glad it was a hit for the boys :). Thanks, Zany!
Alan Darnell says
I wish all of these good type sites would stop the constant barrage of popups. I find that often I'm in the middle of reading a recipe, only to be visually interrupted by some insidious popup blocking my view.
Does that even make sense?
Suzy says
Hi, Alan. We understand your frustration, but the controlled number of ads on this site is what allows us to develop and share content with all our readers 100% for free. We do not charge membership fees and everyone is welcome to access and enjoy the content free of charge, thanks to the ads you see here. I hope that helps explain things a bit.
Nadine says
my dip seems to to runny not sure if i've missed a step
Suzy says
Hmmm... hard to say what may have gone wrong. The only think I could think of is if you used regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Chris says
Overly processed it would be my guess, try a slower speed or just whisk it together. I had the same problem.
kiki says
I found your recipe totally by accident since I forgot to buy heavy cream. (My original plan was “garlic cream chicken”)
And now I am big fan of this recipe!!!
Especially this yogurt sauce surprised me. I used dry dill instead of the fresh one and still came out so delicious.
Thank you for your recipe.
Is there any other dish which could go well with the yogurt sauce?!
★★★★★
Suzy says
Hi, Kiki! The Dill Greek Yogurt sauce is super versatile. Goes with so many things. I especially love to serve it aside grilled meats & kabobs.
Kari Thompson says
This was amazing! So flavorful and tender and the sauce, OMG!
I served it with the grilled zucchini and feta salad. 5 star meal.
Absolutely LOVE your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing this WOE.
★★★★★
Suzy says
My pleasure, Kari! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Ryan says
Making this tonight. I have the chicken marinating now. Do you throw out the onions or use them in any way?
Suzy says
Hi, Ryan. I have done both. Sometimes I discard them, but I have grilled them along with the chicken and they were great!
Ryan says
I ended up grilling them and the whole meal was fantastic. Making it again tonight!
★★★★★
Suzy says
Wonderful! Thanks, Ryan!
maria ellingsworth says
What do I do with the sliced red onions ? I’m guessing just grill those as well?
Suzy says
We have grilled with the chicken, and have also sautéed in a skillet to serve with the chicken. Both ways delicious :).
Sabina says
it was just superb!
Thanks so much
Shrena Patel says
This was an easy marinade and full of flavor, thank you! I served it in a wrap with salad and tzatziki (also your recipe). I look forward to working my way through your other recipes!
★★★★★
Suzy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Shrena!
Cyn says
Amazing! I didn't have time to marinate, nor do I own a grill. I threw all the dry ingredients into some flour, seared and baked off the chicken! This was SOO delicious. I rarely use cardamom, it pairs so well with the Dill. Thank You!
★★★★★
Suzy says
Thanks for sharing, Cyn!