Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Chicken

Name: Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Cooking Made Easy

I absolutely love making Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Chicken for a zesty and refreshing dinner option. The creamy yogurt sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and dill, perfectly complements the juicy chicken. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors that make it a favorite around our dinner table. This dish not only looks appealing but also delivers a delightful taste experience. Pair it with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables, and you have a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:05:36.412Z

When I first tried Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce on chicken, I was blown away by how simple yet sophisticated the combination was. The yogurt base provides a creamy texture while the lemon and dill bring a refreshing punch that elevates the dish. I recommend using fresh herbs; it truly makes a difference in flavor.

After experimenting with various marinating times, I found that letting the chicken soak in the sauce for just 20 minutes enhances the flavors without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. This quick method ensures my weeknight dinners are both flavorful and effortless!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavors that elevate your chicken dish
Creamy yogurt sauce that keeps the chicken moist
Quick preparation that makes a weeknight dinner a breeze

Choosing the Right Chicken

When selecting chicken breasts for this recipe, opt for those that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Larger breasts can be pounded to a consistent thickness, which helps in achieving a juicy interior while preventing dryness. This technique is crucial, especially since cooking chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F is necessary for safety. A meat thermometer is a great tool here, providing precise readings.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a fantastic alternative if you prefer a richer flavor. They tend to remain more moist during cooking, which complements the tangy yogurt sauce beautifully. Regardless of your choice, be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly: thighs may take a few extra minutes on the grill compared to breasts.

Perfecting the Yogurt Sauce

The yogurt sauce is the star of this dish, and using Greek yogurt is key. Its thick consistency gives the sauce a creamy mouthfeel that clings perfectly to the chicken. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider substituting with low-fat Greek yogurt, which still preserves the flavor while cutting calories. Adjust the seasonings slightly to maintain the sauce's flavor profile.

Balancing the tartness of the yogurt with fresh lemon juice and zest is essential. Feel free to taste as you mix; if you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, add a teaspoon more lemon juice. For added depth, try incorporating a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce, creating an unexpected but delightful twist.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients well and let the chicken marinate before cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a dish.

Make the Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Marinate the Chicken

Spread half of the yogurt sauce over the chicken, cover, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Grill or cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

Serve

Serve the grilled chicken drizzled with the remaining yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Chicken!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. This gives the flavors more time to infuse.

Marination Magic

Allowing the chicken to marinate in the yogurt sauce for at least 20 minutes—or up to an hour—helps to infuse it with flavor. The acid in the lemon juice not only enhances the taste but also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring every bite is succulent. If time is tight, even a brief 10-minute marinade can add a fresh zing to the dish, but longer is better for flavor absorption.

For meal prep enthusiasts, the marination step can be done ahead of time. Just cover the chicken in the yogurt sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but allows the flavors to develop even further, giving you a beautifully seasoned chicken.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful meal pairing, consider serving the Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Chicken with a refreshing cucumber salad. The coolness of the cucumbers complements the zesty sauce and creates a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, roasted vegetables, such as carrots or asparagus, bring a lovely sweetness that contrasts well with the tangy chicken flavors.

If you're in the mood for some grains, quinoa or couscous are excellent sides. They soak up the extra yogurt sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste. You can even top the grains with herbs like parsley or extra dill to enhance the dish's brightness, mirroring the chicken's flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture and more protein.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement this chicken wonderfully.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The yogurt sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Marinating the chicken and cooking it to proper internal temperature helps maintain its moisture.