Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with aromatic spices and marinated in lemon and olive oil. Served with a refreshing dill Greek yogurt sauce that complements the smoky grilled chicken perfectly, making for a delightful and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup fresh dill, stems removed and chopped
- 1 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon or lime, juiced
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Chicken Marinade and Seasoning
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, juiced
Instructions
- Make the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce: In a food processor, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon or lime juice, and cayenne pepper if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add kosher salt as needed. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the remaining minced garlic, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, ground green cardamom, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub each piece thoroughly with the garlic-spice mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large dish with sides, combine the sliced red onions, lemon juice from 2 lemons, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken thighs over the onion mixture and gently toss to coat the chicken in the lemon and olive oil marinade.
- Refrigerate to Marinate: For best flavor, cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours. This step is optional but recommended to allow the marinade to infuse the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cover. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each piece and grill for an additional 3 to 5 minutes covered until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and tenderizes the meat.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken thighs alongside the chilled dill Greek yogurt sauce for dipping. Enjoy with your choice of Mediterranean sides or fresh salads for a complete meal.
Notes
- The cayenne pepper in the yogurt sauce is optional; omit if you prefer a milder dip.
- Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours enhances flavor but grilling immediately after seasoning is possible if short on time.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to achieve a nice char and prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is safely cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- The sauce can be prepared a day ahead to deepen flavors and save time.
Keywords: Mediterranean grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, dill yogurt sauce, healthy chicken recipe, lemon garlic chicken
