Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re longing for vibrant flavors and that irresistible char only a grill can deliver, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs. With perfectly spiced, tender chicken, bright notes of lemon, and the creamiest dill Greek yogurt sauce, this recipe captures everything I love about Mediterranean cooking in one dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is truly a “less is more” recipe—each ingredient builds layers of flavor and color, from the brightness of lemon to the earthy warmth of allspice. Take a peek at the all-stars below and let yourself swoon over just how effortlessly they come together.

• Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat for the creamiest, tangiest dill sauce—it creates the perfect, refreshing contrast with the grilled chicken.
• Fresh Dill: This herb brings a bright, fresh burst, and pairs perfectly with both chicken and yogurt.
• Lemon Juice: Essential for both the marinade and the sauce—it wakes everything up with citrusy zing.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and that classic Mediterranean feel; use your best bottle if you can.
• Garlic: Ten cloves for the chicken, one for the sauce—you’ll get savory boldness in every single bite.
• Paprika, Allspice, Nutmeg, and Cardamom: This spice quartet is the backbone of the dish, lending beautiful warmth, subtle sweetness, and complexity.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced and tucked under the chicken for an extra punch of flavor and color.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are gloriously juicy and cook quickly on the grill.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: To elevate and round out all the other flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Toss in a pinch if you want the yogurt sauce to have a subtle heat.

Variations

The fun part about Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs? They’re endlessly adaptable! You can mix things up based on what’s in your pantry, your favorite flavors, or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own.

• Chicken Breasts Instead: Prefer white meat? Swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just grill to 155°F and let them rest to stay juicy.
• Herb Swaps: Try fresh parsley or mint in place of dill for a different twist on the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a little crushed red pepper or extra cayenne to the marinade if you love things spicy.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut-based or other non-dairy yogurt for a creamy sauce without the dairy.
• Add Vegetables: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes right onto the grill beside your chicken for a built-in side.

How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Whip Up the Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce

Start by making the sauce you’ll want to eat with a spoon! In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, plenty of fresh dill, a clove of garlic, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of cayenne (if you’re in a spicy mood). Blend until it’s totally smooth, luscious, and flecked with green. Taste for salt, chill, and let the flavors mingle in the fridge.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic-Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the ten minced garlic cloves, those fragrant ground spices, a few grinds of black pepper, and some of your olive oil. This rub will infuse the chicken thighs with loads of savory, aromatic magic.

Step 3: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry (this helps them brown!) and massage each piece with the garlic-spice mixture. In a large dish, scatter the sliced red onion, pour in fresh lemon juice and the rest of your olive oil, then nestle the chicken right on top. Toss to coat everything, then cover and marinate in the fridge for 2–4 hours if you can—your patience will be rewarded.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high. Lay the marinated chicken thighs onto the hot grates and cover. Grill for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 3–5 minutes, covered, until they have gorgeous grill marks and are cooked through (165°F at the thickest part).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs to a clean plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This is crucial! The juices will redistribute, and every mouthful will be tender and juicy. Serve with the dill Greek yogurt sauce from earlier, and get ready for a flavor explosion.

How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Bring your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs to life with a generous handful of fresh dill or parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a scatter of thin red onion rings. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a swirl of additional olive oil amps up the color and makes the whole platter look as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

I love serving this chicken with classic Mediterranean sides like warm pita, crispy roasted potatoes, or a colorful tabbouleh salad. For something extra refreshing, load your plate with cucumber-tomato salad or grilled veggies—these light, bright flavors play up the dish’s natural zestiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs into a showstopping centerpiece: pile slices onto a board with pita wedges, mounds of Greek yogurt sauce, and heaps of veggies for a DIY platter. Or, tuck them into wraps with lettuce and pickles for an easy handheld picnic meal. They’re as versatile as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs taste fantastic the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these chicken thighs after grilling. Let them cool, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for quick weeknight meals or future cookouts. (Skip freezing the yogurt sauce—it’s best made fresh!)

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat chicken thighs in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them from drying out. You can also warm them in the microwave at a low setting. Serve with a fresh batch of yogurt sauce to recapture that just-made brightness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly satisfying yet refreshingly bright, you have to give these Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs a try. They bring a taste of the Mediterranean coast right to your dinner table. Fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and savor every zesty, herby bite—you’re going to be hooked!

Print