Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Herb Sauce
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This lemon-rosemary grilled chicken has become one of our favorite summer staples—easy to prep, bursting with flavor, and just perfect for the grill. I started making this version with a touch of garlic and fresh herbs from the garden, and it quickly became a go-to for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings.
What takes it over the top is the yogurt herb sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of dill and parsley—cooling and perfect against the smoky, juicy chicken. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole table happy, with minimal effort.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍋 Bright and herby with bold summer flavor
🔥 Perfect for grilling season
🌿 Pairs beautifully with garden veggies and herbs
🥛 Yogurt sauce adds tang and coolness
🕒 Great for entertaining or meal prep
📌 Quick Reference Section
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or more)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, High Protein
Key Ingredients at a Glance:
Chicken thighs or breasts, lemon, rosemary, garlic, yogurt, fresh herbs
📌 Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Herb Sauce:
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or dill
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins & Swaps:
Add thyme or oregano to the marinade
Use chicken drumsticks or wings
Add a splash of honey or Dijon for complexity
📌 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. - Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use. - Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side or until golden with nice grill marks and cooked through. - Serve
Transfer to a platter and serve with a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce and fresh herbs on top.
📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve with roasted potatoes or grilled zucchini
Pair with a big garden salad and lemon iced tea
Great in wraps or grain bowls with leftover chicken
📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 4 days
Freezer: Chicken freezes well; sauce is best made fresh
Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken and prep sauce ahead of time
📌 Final Thoughts
This chicken is juicy, flavorful, and made for warm evenings around the grill. 🍋 Tag your grilling game with #SouthernSoilSunshine and tell us what sides you paired it with!
Want more garden-inspired grilling? Try our Grilled Peppers with Labneh or Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Orzo!
