Green Goddess Grilled Chicken Recipe

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Green Goddess Grilled Chicken Recipe: Easy, Healthy & Packed with Flavor

Have you ever found yourself staring into the refrigerator at 5 PM, completely uninspired about dinner? I was in that exact position last week when I remembered this incredible Green Goddess Grilled Chicken recipe that’s become my go-to for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining. This vibrant, herb-packed dish transforms ordinary chicken into something truly spectacular with minimal effort. The bright flavors from fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and zesty lemon create a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste while keeping it perfectly moist on the grill. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive main dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, this Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

Ingredients for Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

To make this Green Goddess Grilled Chicken, you’ll need fresh herbs and a few pantry staples:

  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill fronds
  • 1/4 cup chives, sliced into 1″ to 2″ pieces
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (preferably 2% fat)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6 to 8)
  • Neutral oil for grilling

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips:

  • Herbs: Don’t have all the herbs? You can adjust the ratios or swap with what you have. Cilantro or tarragon also work well in this Green Goddess marinade for grilled chicken.
  • Greek Yogurt: For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt instead.
  • Mayonnaise: Light mayonnaise works fine, or use avocado-based mayo for a healthier option.
  • Chicken: While thighs are juicier, you can also make grilled chicken breast topped with Green Goddess sauce for a leaner option.
  • Acid: No lemon? White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.

How to Make Green Goddess Grilled Chicken – Step by Step

  1. In a food processor, add the garlic and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the fresh basil, parsley, dill, and chives to the food processor.
  3. Pulse again until the herbs are finely chopped and well combined.
  4. Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  5. Process until the mixture is smooth and bright green, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  6. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
  7. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  8. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the Green Goddess marinade for serving later.
  9. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  11. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking.
  12. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  13. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  14. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  15. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  16. Serve with the reserved Green Goddess sauce drizzled over the top.
New Project 8 12
Green Goddess Grilled Chicken Recipe: Easy, Healthy & Packed with Flavor

Pro Tips for Making the Best Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

  • Prep ahead: Make the marinade up to 3 days in advance for even quicker dinner prep.
  • Consistent thickness: Pound chicken thighs to even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking.
  • Don’t rush: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight produces the most flavorful results.
  • Temperature matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Indoor option: No grill? Make this easy Green Goddess Grilled Chicken recipe on a grill pan or under the broiler instead.
  • Rest period: Let chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for the juiciest result.
  • Fresh herbs: For the most vibrant flavor, use only fresh herbs in your Green Goddess marinade for grilled chicken.

Best Ways to Serve Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

This versatile Green Goddess Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Nutritional Information for Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

One serving of this low-calorie Green Goddess Grilled Chicken dish (approximately one chicken thigh with sauce) contains:

  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg

This healthy Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is high in protein, low in carbs, and provides excellent nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Green Goddess Grilled Chicken makes excellent leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Sauce storage: Keep remaining sauce refrigerated separately for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil until just warm. Microwave on 70% power if you’re in a hurry.
  • Cold option: This chicken is delicious cold in salads or sandwiches the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

What is Green Goddess Grilled Chicken?

Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is chicken marinated and cooked in a vibrant herb sauce made with basil, parsley, dill, chives, yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. It’s named after the classic “Green Goddess” dressing that originated in San Francisco in the 1920s.

How do you make recipe?

To make recipe, blend fresh herbs with yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Coat chicken with the marinade, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through. Reserve some sauce to serve with the finished dish.

What are the ingredients for recipe?

The main ingredients for recipe are fresh herbs (basil, parsley, dill, and chives), Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and chicken thighs. This combination creates a flavorful, herb-packed dish.

How long do you grill Green Goddess Chicken?

Grill recipe thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat (about 400°F) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and your grill’s temperature.

Conclusion

This recipe brings together the bright flavors of fresh herbs with juicy, perfectly grilled chicken for a meal that feels both special and effortless. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week ahead, serving dinner to friends on the patio, or just looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The versatility of this dish means you can serve it in countless ways, and the make-ahead potential makes it perfect for busy cooks.

Have you tried making recipe before? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to serve it or any variations you’ve created in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next grilling session!

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New Project 9 12

Green Goddess Grilled Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Isabella Baute
  • Total Time: 60 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful and moist meal using fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and zesty lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill fronds
  • 1/4 cup chives, sliced into 1” to 2″ pieces
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (preferably 2% fat)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6 to 8)
  • Neutral oil for grilling

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, add the garlic and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the fresh basil, parsley, dill, and chives to the food processor.
  3. Pulse again until the herbs are finely chopped and well combined.
  4. Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and bright green, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  5. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  6. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the Green Goddess marinade for serving later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  8. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking.
  9. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  10. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  11. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the reserved Green Goddess sauce drizzled over the top.

Notes

  • Prep ahead: Make the marinade up to 3 days in advance for even quicker dinner prep.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with reserved sauce or over a salad for a refreshing meal.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 298
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 540
  • Fat: 19
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: green goddess grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy grilled chicken, herb-marinated chicken, lemon chicken, grilled chicken thighs

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Written by Isabella Baute

Isabella Baute is a food writer and home cook dedicated to making cooking accessible and enjoyable. She focuses on easy-to-follow recipes with everyday ingredients, covering everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion desserts.

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