Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to bring something fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying to your table, this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. The juicy, perfectly marinated chicken bites pair beautifully with a creamy, tangy yogurt dill sauce that feels both light and indulgent at the same time. It’s a dish that promises vibrant flavors and a gorgeous balance between smoky grilled goodness and the cooling freshness of the sauce—perfect for a casual dinner or an impressive weekend meal with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of taste, texture, and color that come together effortlessly. Simple but essential, these items are staples you might even have on hand, and they make all the difference when it comes to nailing the perfect flavor combo.

  • 4 chicken breasts, cubed: Provides tender, juicy bites that absorb the marinade beautifully and grill quickly.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken stay moist during grilling.
  • 2 tbsp honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tangy elements.
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Injects a bright acidity that tenderizes and livens up the marinade.
  • ½ tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
  • ½ tsp oregano: Offers a subtle earthiness with Mediterranean flair.
  • ½ tsp pepper: Adds gentle warming spice to the chicken.
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (unflavored, full-fat): Forms the base of the cooling sauce, creamy and rich with a luscious tang.
  • ¼ cup dill, finely chopped: Gives the sauce a bright, herbal punch that’s simply irresistible.
  • 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses bite and depth into the sauce without overpowering.
  • 2 tbsp grated cucumber: Adds crunchy freshness and texture; be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with zesty brightness.
  • 1 pinch of kosher salt: Enhances and balances the sauce flavors delicately.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, oregano, and pepper in a bowl. This simple blend is the magic behind the tender and flavorful chicken you’re about to grill. Toss your cubed chicken into the marinade, making sure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those vibrant flavors.

Step 2: Make the Yogurt Dill Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix the Greek yogurt with freshly chopped dill, minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. This sauce is the star companion—creamy, tangy, and packed with herby freshness that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers or simply place them directly on the grill grates. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken has a beautiful char and is cooked through. The marinade caramelizes slightly, delivering a mouthwatering smoky-sweet flavor.

Step 4: Serve

Once grilled, rest the chicken for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Then, serve it with a generous dollop of your chilled yogurt dill sauce right on top or on the side for dipping. The contrast of hot and cool makes every bite exciting.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like extra dill or chopped parsley sprinkled over the chicken elevate its look and enhance the herbal notes in the sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side add a splash of color and give the option of extra zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy couscous. For a heartier meal, garlic butter grilled potatoes or warm pita bread for scooping are fantastic options.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the grilled chicken over a bed of rice pilaf and drizzle the yogurt dill sauce over everything for a beautiful one-plate meal. Or create a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl with chopped veggies, olives, and your flavorful chicken. You could even turn this into tasty wraps using flatbreads for an easy lunch or picnic treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any left, place the grilled chicken and yogurt dill sauce separately in airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and delicious meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container. The yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze well because of its texture, so it’s best to make a fresh batch when you thaw your chicken.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Add the chilled yogurt dill sauce fresh after reheating to keep its creamy, refreshing quality intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust grilling times to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make the sauce vegan?

Yes, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut or cashew yogurt, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Fresh dill and cucumber still shine beautifully in a vegan version.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 20 minutes is enough to impart flavor, but marinating for up to 2 hours will really deepen the taste. Avoid marinating too long as the vinegar and honey can break down the meat texture.

Can I grill this indoors on a grill pan?

Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully to get those lovely char marks and smoky flavor in your kitchen. Just keep the heat medium-high and don’t overcrowd the pan.

What’s the best way to remove excess moisture from the grated cucumber?

After grating, wrap the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This keeps your yogurt sauce from becoming watery.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard to beat the satisfying harmony of tender grilled chicken paired with a bright, creamy yogurt dill sauce, which is why this Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and bursting with flavors that everyone will love. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’re in for a real treat!

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Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Tender chicken breasts are marinated and grilled to perfection, then paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce enhanced with fresh dill, garlic, cucumber, and lemon juice. This recipe blends Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients to create a light yet satisfying dish ideal for any occasion.


Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (unflavored, full-fat)
  • ¼ cup dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 pinch of kosher salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the chicken cubes.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix the Greek yogurt, finely chopped dill, minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers or place directly onto the grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the grilled chicken hot, accompanied by the chilled yogurt sauce. This dish pairs well with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.

Notes

  • Ensure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery sauce.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer sauce; low-fat options will alter texture and taste.
  • Chicken can be marinated for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor but avoid longer to prevent meat from becoming too soft.
  • If grilling is unavailable, the chicken can be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.

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