Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these easy Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs! This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and topped with a refreshing dill Greek yogurt sauce. It’s perfect for families, special occasions, or any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for anyone looking to prepare a delicious and healthy meal with minimal effort. The grated spices and yogurt sauce combined with grilled chicken create a tasty dish that appeals to both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can reliably serve up a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup fresh dill, stems removed, 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, if needed
- 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
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, juiced
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
You can customize this recipe easily depending on what you have at home. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can work as a substitute—just use less since it’s more concentrated. For the Greek yogurt, you may use a dairy-free version if needed. Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking times to ensure they don’t dry out.
Equipment Needed
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Make the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
Start by making the dill Greek yogurt sauce. In a food processor, blend the minced garlic, fresh dill, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set this aside for later.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, ground green cardamom, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub the spice mixture all over each piece, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3 – Marinate
In a separate dish, mix the thinly sliced red onion, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the dish and toss everything together to coat. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours or at room temperature for 30 minutes.
When ready to grill, preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving it with the dill Greek yogurt dip.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your grilled chicken comes out great every time, follow these tips:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before adding the spice rub; it helps the seasonings stick better.
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it enhances the flavor and juiciness.
- A well-heated grill ensures nice grill marks and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Flavor Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, consider these flavor variations:
- Add chopped fresh mint to the yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.
- Include a dash of hot sauce or sriracha in the yogurt for some heat.
- Substitute the Greek yogurt with tzatziki for a more traditional Mediterranean taste.
- Use different spices such as cumin or coriander in the spice rub for added warmth.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with a variety of sides for a complete meal:
- Greek-style salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese
- Roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil
- Couscous or quinoa for a hearty side
- Pita bread or warm flatbreads for a touch of comfort
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
This dish stores well for leftovers! Refrigerate any unused grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also prepare the chicken marinade in advance and marinate it overnight for deeper flavor.
To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F covered with aluminum foil until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. Enjoy your meal in different ways by tossing the chicken on salads or in wraps throughout the week.
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh dill, chopped stems removed
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 each lemon or lime, juiced
- pinch cayenne pepper, optional
For the Chicken
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 each red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 each lemons, juiced
- Kosher salt, if needed
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
- In a food processor, blend the minced garlic, fresh dill, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, ground green cardamom, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub the spice mixture all over each piece until well coated.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a separate dish, mix the sliced red onion, lemon juice, and remaining olive oil.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the dish and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours or at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill, grilling for about 5 minutes on one side, then flipping and grilling for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with the dill Greek yogurt dip.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time since breasts may require less time on the grill to avoid drying out.
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, you can marinate it up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Is the dill Greek yogurt sauce necessary?
The dill Greek yogurt sauce adds a fresh and creamy element, but you can serve the chicken without it if you prefer a lighter dish or have a different dip in mind.
Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yogurt sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
How can I tell when chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear instead of pink when the chicken is cut.
