This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce brings a delightful, bright flavor to your dinner table. The chicken is marinated in a tangy yogurt and lemon mixture, making it incredibly tender. It’s then cooked to golden perfection and served with a creamy lemon garlic yogurt sauce that’s rich yet light. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, this dish pairs well with flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb Chicken tenderloins or breasts (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)

• 4 tbsp Plain or Greek yogurt

• 3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp Garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 4 cloves)

• 1 tbsp Olive oil

• 1 tsp Kosher salt (or ½ tsp table salt)

For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Full-fat Greek or plain yogurt

• ¾ tsp Garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 1 clove)

• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp Tahini (or extra olive oil)

• 1 tbsp Water (adjust as needed)

• 1 tsp Kosher salt (or ½ tsp table salt)

For Cooking & Serving:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)

• 1 tsp Fresh parsley or mint (chopped)

• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

• Lebanese flatbread or pita (for serving)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours for best results.

2. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini (or more olive oil), water, and salt until smooth. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for 1 hour to blend the flavors.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken and cook for about 1.5-2 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

4. Warm the Sauce:
   Microwave the yogurt sauce for about 40 seconds to warm it gently, whisk again, and adjust the consistency with more water or lemon juice if needed.

5. Serve:
   Spread half of the sauce on a serving dish, top with the chicken, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges. Serve with flatbread or pita.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 7-10g

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 18-20g

  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g

• Cholesterol: 70-90mg

• Sodium: 600-700mg

• Potassium: 300-400mg

• Fiber: 1-2g

• Sugar: 3-4g (mainly from the yogurt and lemon)

• Vitamin A: 150-200 IU

• Vitamin C: 20-25mg

• Calcium: 100-120mg

• Iron: 2-3mg

These values are based on the ingredients listed and will vary depending on specific brands used, particularly for yogurt and olive oil. This dish is a high-protein, nutrient-dense meal, making it a great choice for a balanced dinner.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce

There are many reasons why Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is a meal that will quickly become a favorite:

1. Tender and Flavorful Chicken: The chicken is marinated in a mixture of plain or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic, which not only makes it incredibly tender but also infuses it with a refreshing, zesty flavor. The marination process also helps to lock in moisture, ensuring the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful.

2. Creamy, Tangy Sauce: The creamy yogurt sauce with tahini (or extra olive oil) adds a rich, smooth texture and a subtle nutty flavor that balances the tanginess of the lemon. It’s a perfect complement to the savory, garlicky chicken.

3. Quick and Easy to Prepare: This dish may sound sophisticated, but it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this meal in no time. The chicken marinade needs some time to soak in the flavors, but the cooking process itself takes only about 10-12 minutes.

4. High in Protein: The chicken provides a solid source of lean protein, making this dish filling and nutrient-dense. The yogurt sauce adds creaminess without being too heavy, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

5. Versatile: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with flatbread or pita to create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that everyone will enjoy.

6. Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily prep the chicken and yogurt sauce earlier in the day and cook it just before dinner. The marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce

This dish is simple to prepare, but the flavors are anything but basic. Here’s how you can make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce in just a few steps:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• 1 lb of chicken tenderloins or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

• 4 tablespoons of plain or Greek yogurt

• 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 4 cloves)

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 12 hours. For the best results, marinate the chicken for 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse fully.

Step 2: Make the Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the creamy lemon garlic yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup of full-fat Greek or plain yogurt

• ¾ teaspoon of garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 1 clove)

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of tahini (or extra olive oil if you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon of water (adjust as needed for consistency)

• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)

Mix the ingredients until smooth and well-combined. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. The tahini or olive oil adds creaminess and a subtle nuttiness to the sauce, balancing the tanginess of the yogurt and lemon.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 1.5-2 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 4: Warm the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, microwave the yogurt sauce for about 40 seconds to warm it gently. Stir the sauce again after warming and adjust the consistency with more water or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Serve

To serve, spread half of the yogurt sauce on a serving dish and top it with the cooked chicken. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or mint for a burst of color and freshness. For an extra touch, drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair the dish with Lebanese flatbread, pita, or rice to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:

• Couscous or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over couscous or quinoa for a light and nutritious base.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

• Flatbread or Pita: Serve with soft Lebanese flatbread or pita for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a balanced, healthy meal.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a flavorful, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. The tangy yogurt marinade, golden chicken, and rich, creamy sauce come together to create a balanced and satisfying dish. Whether served with rice, salad, or flatbread, this meal is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Try it today for a fresh, vibrant dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!