Spring Sundays call for meals that are fresh, flavorful, and simple to make—just like this Green Goddess Chicken. Bursting with bright herbs, creamy avocado, and zesty lemon, this dish brings a pop of color and taste to your table. It’s perfect for family lunches, backyard gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Whether you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet weekend, Green Goddess Chicken is a feel-good recipe that satisfies without weighing you down. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables and you’ve got a balanced, nourishing meal ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Goddess Chicken is everything you want in a spring meal: vibrant, healthy, and ridiculously flavorful. The marinade is a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and avocado—creating a rich yet refreshing coating that keeps the chicken tender and juicy. It’s a great choice for anyone following a gluten-free, low-carb, or high-protein diet.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Serve it hot off the grill, baked in the oven, or even sliced over salads or grain bowls. The herbaceous flavors are bold without being overpowering, and the creamy marinade also doubles as a dip or dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for weeknights, weekends, and even meal prepping. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and meal-prep approved—what’s not to love?
Ingredients (Detailed & Descriptive)
To make this Green Goddess Chicken, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh spring produce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too for a leaner option.
- 1 ripe avocado – Adds creaminess and richness to the marinade.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (packed) – Earthy and herbaceous.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – For a sweet, peppery punch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives – Adds subtle onion flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the marinade.
- 2 garlic cloves – Minced or grated for a garlicky kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps bind and emulsify the sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Extra chopped herbs, lemon slices, or microgreens.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
This dish is rich in healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, packed with lean protein from chicken, and loaded with antioxidants from fresh herbs.
Recipe Tips (To Make It a Hit Every Time)
- Use fresh herbs: Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant flavor. Fresh is key.
- Marinate overnight: For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, marinate for at least 4 hours—or overnight.
- Blend until smooth: A high-speed blender or food processor makes the marinade creamy and even.
- Cook evenly: Pound thicker parts of the chicken slightly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Rest before slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Green Goddess Chicken is ideal for meal prepping or hosting brunches with minimal stress. You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, marinate the chicken at least 4 hours before cooking and refrigerate it overnight in a covered dish or zip-lock bag.
You can also cook the chicken a day ahead and reheat it gently in the oven or slice it cold for salads and wraps. The leftovers stay moist thanks to the creamy marinade. If you’re planning a Sunday get-together, grill or bake the chicken earlier in the day and serve it at room temperature—it’s just as delicious. This flexibility makes it perfect for busy weekends or planning ahead for the week.
Tips for Making a Better Green Goddess Chicken
To truly elevate this recipe, don’t rush the marinating time. The Greek yogurt, herbs, and avocado need time to soak into the meat. At least 4 hours is good, but overnight gives the most tender and flavorful result.
Balance the herbs carefully. While it’s tempting to toss in all the greenery in your fridge, stick to the proportions for parsley, basil, and chives to avoid overwhelming bitterness. If you love dill or cilantro, add just a small amount to complement, not compete.
Finally, choose your cooking method wisely. Grilling adds a smoky, charred edge that pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors. Baking in the oven is hands-off and consistent, while stovetop searing gives that nice golden crust. Any way you cook it, a quick thermometer check (165°F internal temp) ensures you don’t overdo it.
Green Goddess Chicken Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (packed)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: lemon slices, herbs
Instructions:
- Make the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your cooking method: Grill, bake at 400°F (200°C), or sear in a pan.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temp should be 165°F.
- Rest & serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices.