Description
Grilled Chicken with Green Goddess sauce is a vibrant, herbaceous dish that combines juicy, perfectly grilled skinless chicken breasts with a creamy, fresh herb sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, lunch, or weekend gatherings. The bright and tangy Green Goddess sauce, made with parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and optional anchovy paste, elevates simple grilled chicken into a gourmet experience that’s light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the Green Goddess Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves (can substitute with basil or cilantro)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo, avocado, or blended silken tofu for dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Goddess Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, chives, tarragon, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, anchovy paste (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a bright, herby, and slightly tangy sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help develop a nice crust on the grill.
- Get Your Grill Ready: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the chicken and create appealing grill marks without drying out the meat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid pressing down on the chicken to maintain juiciness and create perfect grill marks.
- Serve with the Green Goddess Sauce: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Serve the chicken drizzled generously with the prepared Green Goddess sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- If time permits, marinate chicken in olive oil and lemon juice for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Use sharp knives or herb scissors to keep herbs fresh and vibrant in the sauce.
- Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling for juicy, tender results.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash of water or lemon juice if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg