Get ready to fall in love with the unbeatable flavor and tenderness of Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken! This dish is a Mediterranean classic that wins hearts with every bite: juicy chicken enveloped in a herby, lemony, garlicky marinade, then grilled or seared to perfect, golden deliciousness. The yogurt works magic, infusing every piece of chicken with tang and moisture, while a medley of spices creates that signature Greek flair. If you’ve never tried marinating chicken in yogurt before, prepare for a serious game changer—this recipe is about to become your new go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard grilling, or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the depth of flavor fool you—Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken comes together with wonderfully simple ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the burst of fresh dill, building layers of flavor and tender texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Chicken (2 pounds boneless skinless thighs or breasts): Use your favorite cut—thighs stay especially juicy, while breasts are wonderfully lean.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup): The secret ingredient! This tangy base keeps the chicken ultra-moist and helps carry all the Mediterranean flavors deep into every bite.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden finish on the grill or in a skillet.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential aromatic punch—go ahead and add an extra clove if you’re a true garlic lover.
- Lemon Juice & Zest (from 1 lemon): Bright citrus notes balance the richness of the marinade and wake up every flavor.
- Dried Oregano (2 teaspoons): Brings a classic Greek herb profile and earthy backbone to the mix.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Lends a hint of warmth and dimension that makes the chicken unforgettable.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky undertone and deep color—don’t skip this!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the marinade.
- Fresh Dill, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): For an extra pop of herbal freshness, add dill—it’s especially lovely if serving with tzatziki.
How to Make Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Magical Marinade
Start by grabbing a large bowl—big enough to fit all your chicken and give everything room to mingle. Spoon in the Greek yogurt, drizzle in the olive oil, add the minced garlic, squeeze in the lemon juice, and sprinkle over the zest. Now, shower in the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and that handful of fresh dill if you’re feeling extra fancy. Give it all a vigorous whisk until smooth and absolutely irresistible smelling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the marinade, taking care to coat each thigh or breast thoroughly; you want every nook and cranny deliciously covered. If you have time, massage the marinade into the chicken with your hands—it helps tenderize and ensure those robust flavors penetrate deeply. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least two hours. Trust me: the longer you let it marinate (overnight is ideal!), the more tender and flavorful your Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken will be.
Step 3: Get Ready to Grill or Sear
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a large skillet on medium-high heat. Carefully remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (too much marinade on the chicken can cause flare-ups or prevent that beautiful browning). Discard the used marinade left in the bowl, since it’s done its job! Place the chicken on the grill grates or skillet, spreading them out so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Let your chicken sizzle away for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden color and enticing grill marks (or a deep, caramelized sear if using a skillet). The aroma at this stage is nothing short of mouthwatering! Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F at the thickest spot. If you slice into a piece, the juices should run clear and the meat should be super juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once the chicken reaches perfection, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for at least five minutes. This little pause keeps all those lovely juices from escaping and makes slicing a breeze. When you’re ready to serve, cut the chicken into strips, chunks, or leave it whole—however you like it. Get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken
Garnishes
A generous shower of fresh dill or parsley over the top makes for a visually vibrant and aromatic finish. A good squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving takes your Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken to the next level. If you want to get extra Greek, add a few crumbles of feta cheese for salty, creamy pops throughout.
Side Dishes
This dish was practically made for easy, shareable sides. Tuck slices of Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken into warm pita bread with a heap of crisp Greek salad, or serve over fluffy rice alongside a tangy tzatziki. Roasted veggies, herbed couscous, or a big platter of grilled summertime produce also make perfect companions. Let the Mediterranean theme steer your table!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the chicken into juicy kebabs by threading marinated pieces onto skewers before grilling—they’re perfect for cookouts or parties! For a speedy lunch, pile sliced Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken into a wrap with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Or, serve atop a loaded grain bowl with olives and roasted peppers for a vibrant meal-prep winner. The possibilities are endless and always crowd-pleasing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck any leftover Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. It makes for awesome salads, wraps, or quick protein additions throughout the week—those zesty flavors get even better by the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this chicken, either right after marinating or after it’s cooked. Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags with the date labeled, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling if raw, or reheating if already cooked. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, covered, for short bursts to keep it juicy. Splash in a little water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Enjoy just as tender and flavorful as when you first made it!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both breasts and thighs work beautifully for Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken. Breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster, while thighs give you an extra juicy result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and check for doneness.
Is it possible to cook this chicken in the oven?
Yes—you can bake the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s cooked through. You’ll still get great color and flavor, especially if you finish under the broiler for a minute or two.
What’s the best way to make skewers for grilling?
Simply cut the marinated chicken into cubes and thread them onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Grill as directed, turning every few minutes for even cooking. Skewers are a fun and flavorful way to serve Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken—perfect for parties!
Is the marinade dairy-free if I use non-dairy yogurt?
You can use a plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt such as coconut or almond milk yogurt as a substitute. The result will be slightly different in taste and texture, but still delicious and friendly for those avoiding dairy!
Can I marinate the chicken for too long?
Marinating overnight is ideal, but don’t let it sit longer than 24 hours, as the acidity in the yogurt and lemon might start breaking down the meat too much, leading to mushy texture. Stick to 2–12 hours for perfect Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re grilling for friends, prepping for family dinners, or just craving something Mediterranean and deeply satisfying, Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken might just be your new favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every last juicy, zesty bite—you’ll be dreaming of your next batch before you know it!
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Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend grilling. The combination of Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices creates a tender and juicy chicken that is bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill if using.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, grill or sear for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with pita, salad, or rice.
Notes
- This marinade is also great for chicken skewers or whole roasted chicken.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Pair with tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
