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Grilled Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables with Herby Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 20 reviews

Delicious grilled Mediterranean chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and herbs, served with a vibrant herby tzatziki sauce and a colorful array of grilled vegetables. This high-protein, veggie-packed meal is perfect for a quick and flavorful summer dinner, ready in just about 35 minutes. Serve with warm pita bread or your favorite grains for a complete Mediterranean feast.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Zest and juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the herby tzatziki:

  • 1 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Persian cucumber, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

For the grilled vegetables:

  • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into ½” thick rounds or quarters
  • 1 zucchini, ends removed and cut vertically in ¼-inch slices
  • 1 red bell pepper, halved or cut into ½” thick strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, halved or cut into ½” thick strips
  • 1 orange bell pepper, halved or cut into ½” thick strips
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For serving:

  • Roasted chickpeas, rice, or pearl couscous
  • Warm torn pita
  • Pickled red onion
  • Extra fresh chopped dill and parsley

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare other components.
  2. Make the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, shredded Persian cucumber, chopped dill and parsley, grated garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well until fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This sauce can be prepared up to a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (204°C). Clean the grill grates by scraping off any residue from previous cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
  4. Prepare the vegetables: Place the cut red onion, zucchini slices, and bell pepper strips in a large bowl. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently with clean hands to coat all pieces evenly.
  5. Grill the chicken and vegetables: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on one side of the grill and place the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the opposite side, keeping about an inch of space between pieces. Close the grill lid and cook, flipping the chicken halfway through, for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should grill for a similar amount of time until tender and slightly charred.
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove the grilled chicken and vegetables from the grill and transfer to a platter. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to help retain its juices for maximum tenderness.
  7. Warm the pita bread: With the grill still hot, turn off the heat and place the torn pita pieces on the grill rack. Close the lid and warm for about 2 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crisp.
  8. Chop the chicken and vegetables: Roughly chop the grilled vegetables so all pieces are similar in size. Slice or chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
  9. Assemble and serve: Spoon the herby tzatziki sauce into shallow bowls. Arrange portions of chopped grilled vegetables, chicken, and roasted chickpeas (if using) around the sauce. Garnish with pickled red onion and extra fresh dill and parsley. Serve alongside warm toasted pita or your choice of grains like rice or pearl couscous. Dig in and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean feast!

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) if time permits for deeper flavor.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
  • Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust grilling time accordingly.
  • Pickled red onion adds a nice tangy contrast, but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or couscous for a complete meal.
  • Leftover chicken and vegetables make great salads or wraps the next day.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean