Tender Marinated Chicken in Greek Yogurt
This Marinated Chicken in Greek Yogurt is one of those easy, dependable recipes I keep coming back to when I want juicy, flavorful chicken without a lot of fuss. The yogurt works magic here, making the chicken extra tender while the garlic, lemon, and spices bring in so much savory flavor.
I love this recipe because it feels simple enough for a weeknight dinner but still tastes like I put in way more effort than I actually did. It’s one of my favorite ways to prep chicken ahead of time, especially when I know I’m going to have a busy day and still want something delicious on the table.
If you love easy chicken dinners like this one, you may also want to check out my bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks, baked artichoke chicken, and healthy chicken meatballs for more inspiration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Tender Chicken: The Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken so every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
- Easy Prep: The marinade comes together in just a few minutes with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Flexible Cooking Options: You can bake it, grill it, or cook it in a skillet depending on what works best for you.
- Great For Meal Prep: This chicken stores well and can be used in salads, wraps, bowls, or served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless skinless chicken: This is the main protein, and you can use either breasts or thighs depending on your preference.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This creates the creamy marinade and helps make the chicken extra tender.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the chicken bold, savory flavor.
- Lemon juice: This brightens the marinade and adds a fresh tangy flavor.
- Salt: Salt enhances all of the other flavors in the recipe.
- Black pepper: This adds a little warmth and balances the creamy yogurt marinade.
- Paprika: Paprika brings mild smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Dried oregano: This adds an herby, savory note that pairs perfectly with the lemon and garlic.
- Cumin: A small amount of cumin adds depth and warmth to the marinade.
- Onion powder: This gives the chicken extra savory flavor without adding extra prep work.
How to Make Marinated Chicken in Greek Yogurt
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, cumin, and onion powder until smooth.
- Add the chicken and toss well so every piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl or add the chicken to a ziploc bag to marinate for at least two hours.
- When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Bake or grill the chicken as directed.
Substitutions and Additions
- Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and are great if you want richer flavor.
- Add heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Try fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or dill can add a bright finish right before serving.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plain dairy-free yogurt alternative if needed.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking so the juices stay locked in.
- Line your baking sheet for easier cleanup when baking.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes, you can use plain regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives the marinade a thicker texture that clings better to the chicken.
At least 2 hours works well, but overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Yes, you can freeze the chicken right in the marinade before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
It’s great with rice, roasted vegetables, salad, potatoes, or tucked into wraps and pitas.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You May Enjoy
- Simple Chicken Meatloaf
- Dutch Oven Chicken Cacciatore
- Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
- French Onion Chicken Soup Skillet
Tender Marinated Chicken In Greek Yogurt
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt plain
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, cumin, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the chicken and coat thoroughly, making sure all pieces are evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours gives the best flavor and tenderness.
- When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Bake
- To bake, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grill
- To grill, cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Stove Top
- To pan-cook, heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
To Store
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or covered in the oven until warmed through. Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
