Say hello to your new weeknight dinner obsession: Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce. Juicy, smoky grilled chicken thighs soak up a zesty, aromatic marinade of fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon—then get finished with a cool, tangy drizzle for the ultimate one-two flavor punch. Honestly, it’s like putting your taste buds on a vacation to the garden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor for Days: Each bite combines herby brightness with creamy tang—making these chicken thighs totally unforgettable.
- Super Simple Prep: Just toss everything in a blender, marinate, and grill—no fancy techniques, but you’d never guess from the flavor.
- Dinner Hero: The vibrant, Instagram-worthy green sauce makes this a showstopper for casual family meals and entertaining alike.
- Healthy but Indulgent: Packed with protein and fresh herbs— satisfying comfort food that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce is that the ingredients are both simple and essential—each one brings big flavor, luscious texture, or that fresh pop of color you crave in a summer meal. Even humble green onions and yogurt become superstars here!
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, yogurt creates a luscious marinade while tenderizing the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness and helps the marinade cling beautifully to every nook and cranny.
- Mixed Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, or chives): Go wild! These are the heart and soul of that signature “green goddess” punch—choose your favorites for a custom flavor.
- Green Onions: Lend a gentle onion flavor and an extra boost of green vibrancy.
- Garlic: Gives the sauce just the right amount of savory backbone.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Secret umami depth—just a tablespoon truly deepens all the beautiful green flavors.
- Kosher Salt: Essential to highlight every flavor in the marinade.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up everything and balances the creaminess with refreshing acidity.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Ultra-juicy, extra flavorful, and perfect for grilling—thighs are super forgiving, so you get tender results every time.
Variations
This recipe is made for personalization and riffing—don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite herbs, try a different protein, or make it dairy-free. The Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce adapts effortlessly to suit your pantry and cravings.
- Chicken Breasts or Drumsticks: Not a thigh fan? Use chicken breasts or drumsticks—just adjust grilling time as needed.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut yogurt or a thick cashew cream for Greek yogurt if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
- Grill-Free Option: No grill? Roast or broil the chicken until sizzling and charred at the edges.
- Different Herb Combos: Play with ratios—try tarragon and chives for a more classic green goddess vibe, or cilantro and basil for something bold and vibrant.
How to Make Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Make the Green Goddess Sauce
Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, herbs, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and fresh lemon juice to your food processor or blender. Give it a spin until the sauce is velvety smooth, cloud-like, and impossibly green. Take in that aroma—it’s your edible garden in a bowl!
Step 2: Divide Sauce and Marinate the Chicken
Spoon half of the vibrant sauce into a jar—this will be your serving sauce, so pop it in the fridge and keep it cold. The other half goes into a zip-top bag or bowl with your chicken thighs. Massage to coat every piece generously, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration!).
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Juicy Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium-high so it’s nice and hot. Brush or oil the grates to prevent sticking. Lay the marinated thighs on the grill, listening for that magical sizzle. Let them cook for 5 minutes, flip, cook another 5, flip once more, and finish until the chicken reaches at least 165ºF inside (but trust me, thighs are even juicier at 175-180ºF!).
Step 4: Rest and Serve with Extra Sauce
After grilling, give your chicken a five-minute rest on a plate, lightly covered, so the juices settle in every bite. Now drizzle over that reserved herbaceous yogurt sauce, and get ready for green goddess bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce
- Marvelous Marinade: For the most flavorful chicken, let it marinate overnight—the yogurt and lemon work their magic, making each thigh even more tender and infused with all that herby goodness.
- Herb Power: Use super-fresh herbs and pat them dry after rinsing—excess moisture can water down your luscious green goddess sauce and mute the flavor punch.
- Grill Like a Pro: Don’t move the chicken too soon once it’s on the grill—let a seared crust form before flipping, so you get those gorgeous grill marks and maximum juiciness.
- Sauce, Not Soggy: Only use reserved sauce (never sauce that touched raw chicken!) for drizzling—this keeps everything bright, creamy, and totally safe to eat.
How to Serve Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with extra chopped herbs, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and plenty of lemon zest right before serving. These little touches double down on the freshness and make each plate pop with color and aroma.
Side Dishes
This chicken begs for something vibrant alongside—a simple cucumber salad, garlicky roasted potatoes, warm pita, or fluffy white rice are all stellar. Anything that soaks up extra herbaceous yogurt sauce is a winner here!
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced atop a big Mediterranean salad, tucked into wraps with crunchy veggies, or arranged as part of a breezy mezze platter—there are endless ways to let these Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce shine. Try serving skewered for a party, or pack into lunchboxes for a weekday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce keep beautifully! Store the chicken and any extra sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The cooked chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 2 months—just cool completely before wrapping tightly. The yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze well (the texture gets funky), so keep that fresh for serving.
Reheating
Rewarm chicken gently in the oven or microwave, covered, to keep the meat juicy. Add the chilled herbaceous yogurt sauce after reheating so it keeps its garden-fresh flavor and creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are definitely the star here—the vibrant flavor and gorgeous green color make all the difference. If you must use dried herbs in a pinch, use much less (about one-third the amount), but expect a more muted flavor and less vivid color.
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Can I bake the chicken thighs instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 425ºF for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach the right temp. Broil in the last couple minutes for extra color if you’d like.
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How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes if needed, but up to 24 hours is ideal—the longer soak lets the lemon, yogurt, and herbs really infuse the meat for maximum juiciness and flavor.
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What herbs work best in this Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce recipe?
Parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, and chives all work beautifully—try mixing two or three for a more complex, layered flavor. Tarragon and mint also make fun additions!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t wait for you to try these Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Herbaceous Yogurt Sauce. It’s fresh, fast, and packed with feel-good flavor—perfect for busy nights or a laid-back cookout. Let this recipe become your new go-to for vibrant, soul-satisfying chicken!
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Grilled Green Goddess Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Green Goddess Chicken Thighs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant green goddess sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and citrus, then grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
For the Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups lightly packed herbs
- 3 green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 lemons, juiced
For the Chicken:
- 1.5–2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless skinless
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Goddess Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, herbs, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Divide the sauce in half. Marinate the chicken in one half for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the reserved green goddess sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
