Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad & Creamy Herb Sauce
📝 Description
This light, nutritious, and satisfying dish features juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky blend of paprika and garlic, paired with a refreshing salad of mixed greens. It’s topped with a tangy and creamy herb sauce made from Greek yogurt or sour cream and fresh herbs like chives and parsley. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (chives, parsley, dill, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 2–3 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
- Optional additions: cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, shredded carrots
🔥 Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub both sides with olive oil.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt/sour cream with lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the greens (and optional veggies) with a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Plate the Dish:
- Slice the grilled chicken and serve over the salad. Spoon creamy herb sauce generously over the top or serve on the side.
🍴 Servings
Serves 2 people generously. Easily scalable.
🧠 Notes & Tips
- Yogurt vs Sour Cream: Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangier sauce with more protein, while sour cream is richer and creamier.
- Make it spicy: Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the chicken rub.
- Marination option: For juicier chicken, marinate in olive oil, lemon, and herbs for 30 minutes.
- Dressing twist: Use the herb sauce as a salad dressing by thinning it with a little water or lemon juice.
- Freshness tip: Use fresh herbs over dried for best flavor in the sauce.
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – estimated)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: ~450mg
(Using Greek yogurt; adjust slightly if using sour cream.)
🌟 Health Benefits
- High in protein: Great for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Low-carb & keto-friendly: Excellent for weight control and blood sugar balance.
- Loaded with greens: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants.
- Probiotic support: If using Greek yogurt, adds good bacteria for gut health.
❓Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Absolutely! Boneless thighs work great—just adjust the grilling time slightly.
Q: What herbs work best for the sauce?
A: Chives, parsley, dill, and tarragon are great. Fresh herbs are ideal.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Store the grilled chicken and sauce separately. Assemble the salad fresh for best texture.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or cashew yogurt) and add herbs and lemon as usual.
Q: What can I serve with this for a fuller meal?
A: Add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or a whole grain roll on the side.