If you’ve ever wanted to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender, and surprisingly easy to pull off, then you’re going to love this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe. The magic lies in that creamy marinade—Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a beautiful tang and spices that just make every bite sing. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your chicken game with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the Greek yogurt brings creaminess and tenderness, while the spices provide depth and warmth, creating a vibrant dish that’s as colorful on the plate as it is delicious.
- 2 cups Greek yogurt: Use whole milk Greek yogurt for a rich and creamy marinade that tenderizes beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade cling to the chicken while infusing a fruity richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a pungent, savory kick that balances the tanginess of the yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and a subtle citrus zing that lifts every bite.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth and a lovely reddish hue.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Provides an earthy, warm undertone that complements the garlic and paprika perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a fresh herbal finish and a pop of color as a garnish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, soaking up all that marinade goodness.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating the flavor-packed marinade. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until everything is perfectly blended. This mixture not only brings flavor but also works as a tenderizer to keep your chicken juicy and soft.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the bowl and massage the marinade all over each piece, making sure every surface is coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable bag, pressing out as much air as possible for maximum contact. Pop it in the fridge and let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 2 hours. If you want to dial the flavor up a notch, overnight marination is your best friend.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off — discard the leftover marinade to avoid any contamination. Cook the chicken about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill for beautiful char marks, or if you prefer baking, 20-25 minutes in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top is a simple way to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma. If you want to get adventurous, a few lemon wedges on the side can add an extra zing for those who love bright citrus flavors.
Side Dishes
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad, fluffy quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal. Rice pilaf or warm pita bread can also complement the mild spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of couscous or inside a warm flatbread with tzatziki and fresh veggies for a gourmet sandwich experience. You can even turn this into a beautiful salad topping, combining all the textures and flavors into a satisfying bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken from this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) to avoid drying it out. Covering lightly with foil helps retain the juiciness you fell in love with originally.
FAQs
Can I use another type of yogurt for this recipe?
Whole milk Greek yogurt is ideal because it’s thick and creamy, which tenderizes the chicken beautifully. However, you can use plain yogurt, though the texture and flavor might be a bit different. Avoid flavored or low-fat yogurts for best results.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For a flavorful result, marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. Overnight marination is recommended if you have the time, as it allows the spices and yogurt to deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite more delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling and baking?
Absolutely! This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe is versatile. You can grill it for a smoky flavor and nice grill marks or bake it in the oven for a more hands-off method. Both yield fantastic results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs usually take a bit longer than breasts.
What can I serve with this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe to make it a complete meal?
Think fresh and bright sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a lemony rice pilaf. You can also add warm pita bread or creamy tzatziki to tie all the flavors together and make it a perfectly balanced plate.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips to master it, get ready to fall in love with this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe. It’s a straightforward, flavorful way to make chicken that’s tender and packed with zest—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 12-14 minutes (grilling/pan-cooking)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time; can be overnight)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a rich blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices. The yogurt marinade not only adds zesty tang but also helps to keep the chicken juicy and moist. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-cooking, this dish is a healthy, protein-packed meal that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (preferably whole milk Greek yogurt)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to form a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to ensure even marination.
- Refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best results and maximum flavor infusion, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Cooking Surface. When ready to cook, preheat your grill, oven, or pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. If grilling or using a pan, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side. If baking, place the chicken in a preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it attains an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve. Once cooked through, allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Whole milk Greek yogurt yields the creamiest marinade, but low-fat options can be used.
- Leftover marinade should never be used as a sauce unless boiled thoroughly to kill bacteria.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts.
- Adjust spices to taste for milder or spicier variations.
