Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is a vibrant, herb-packed dish that brings bold flavor and juicy tenderness to every bite. The chicken is marinated in a creamy, zesty green goddess dressing made with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and a touch of tang, then grilled to perfection. I love how this recipe turns a simple grilled chicken into something fresh and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the marinade does all the work—infusing the chicken with herby brightness and locking in moisture. It’s perfect for warm-weather grilling or when I want a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and low-effort. The dressing doubles as a dipping sauce, which means less prep and more flavor. It’s great on its own, over a salad, or paired with veggies and grains for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-
Fresh parsley
-
Fresh basil
-
Fresh chives
-
Garlic cloves
-
Lemon juice
-
Lemon zest
-
Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
-
Olive oil
-
Anchovy paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
-
Salt and pepper
-
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
I blend together the parsley, basil, chives, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt (or mayo), olive oil, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth to make the green goddess marinade.
-
I reserve a small portion of the dressing to use later as a sauce.
-
I place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the rest of the marinade, making sure the chicken is well coated. I marinate it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
-
I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
-
I grill the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks.
-
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving it with the reserved sauce and optional green onions on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes total, including 30 minutes for marinating and 15 minutes for grilling. If I marinate longer, the flavor gets even better, but it’s still great with a quick soak.
Variations
-
I use cilantro in place of parsley for a slightly different twist.
-
If I don’t have a grill, I cook the chicken in a grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
-
I sometimes add avocado to the dressing to make it extra creamy.
-
For a spicy version, I blend in a jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
-
I love using the same dressing as a marinade for shrimp or tofu, too.
storage/reheating
I store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s delicious cold in wraps or salads, or I reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. I keep any extra dressing refrigerated and use it within 3–4 days.
FAQs
Can I make this with bone-in chicken?
Yes, I’ve used bone-in thighs or drumsticks before. I just adjust the grill time to make sure the chicken cooks through, about 10–12 minutes per side.
What if I don’t have anchovy paste?
I skip it! It adds a subtle savory depth, but the dressing is still flavorful without it.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
I stick with fresh herbs for the best flavor and color. Dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant taste or creamy texture.
How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?
I make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled, and I don’t move the chicken too soon—once it’s seared, it naturally releases from the grill.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to grill. The dressing can also be made a day in advance.
Conclusion
Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is a fresh, flavorful take on grilled chicken that I keep coming back to. With its bright herb marinade and juicy texture, it’s the perfect way to elevate a simple dinner into something special. Whether I’m cooking for guests or meal-prepping for the week, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Print
Green Goddess Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Green Goddess Grilled Chicken is a juicy, herb-marinated chicken dish bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. Made with a creamy green goddess dressing of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, this grilled chicken is vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Add parsley, basil, chives, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt (or mayo), olive oil, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Reserve about 1/3 cup of the dressing for serving.
- Place chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour remaining marinade over it, coating well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve with reserved green goddess sauce and optional green onions.
Notes
- Use cilantro instead of parsley for a different herb profile.
- Add avocado to the dressing for extra creaminess.
- Works well with shrimp or tofu as a protein swap.
- Chicken can also be baked at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Fresh herbs are key for best flavor and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
