If you’re craving a bright, protein-packed dish that feels as nourishing as it does flavorful, look no further than this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe. The tangy yogurt marinade keeps the chicken ultra-tender and juicy, while a medley of garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs infuses every bite with pure sunshine. Whether you bake it in the oven or fire it up on the grill, this meal is an absolute winner for weeknights, meal prep, or even your next backyard gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe serves a delicious purpose, from the creamy yogurt to the zesty lemon juice. With just a handful of ingredients, you can build bold, classic Mediterranean flavors—each one working together to create the perfect Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are both juicy and perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- Greek Yogurt: The star ingredient adds tang and keeps the chicken incredibly moist—don’t use regular yogurt, or you’ll miss out on the creamy magic!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses aromatic zing throughout the marinade.
- Olive Oil: Gives richness to the marinade and helps give you a golden, flavorful surface when cooked.
- Lemon Juice: Offers bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken and boosts all the other flavors.
- Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that brings an earthy herbal note to this dish.
- Paprika: Adds a lovely warmth and vibrant color to each bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of pepper gives subtle heat and dimension.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle on just before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start with a large mixing bowl and combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you’ve got a creamy, fragrant marinade—the kind that instantly conjures images of summer evenings in the Mediterranean. Don’t rush this step, as blending thoroughly ensures every bite of chicken is soaked in flavor!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to your bowl and toss until every piece is generously coated in that gorgeous marinade. Cover tightly (plastic wrap works perfectly) and let it chill in your fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you want bold, developed flavors, go ahead and let it marinate for up to 8 hours. The Greek yogurt does wonders to tenderize the chicken, so giving it more time never hurts!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or fire up your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade (give it a gentle shake to remove excess) and arrange on a lined baking sheet if baking, or directly on your grill grates if grilling. For those baking, slide the tray in for 25 to 30 minutes; grilling fans should cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. No matter your method, aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Let Rest and Garnish
Once your Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe is beautifully cooked through and slightly golden, let it rest for about five minutes—this keeps juices locked in for maximum tenderness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of vibrant fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there if you’re feeling creative. A quick squeeze of extra lemon or a dusting of crumbled feta can add even more Mediterranean flair and elevate the look and flavor of each plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe with anything that soaks up luscious juices: fluffy rice, warm pita, or lemony potatoes. It also loves a side of roasted veggies or a cool cucumber salad. You really can’t go wrong—just aim for flavors and textures that keep the meal light, fresh, and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken thin and tuck it into soft flatbreads with crisp veggies for a mouthwatering wrap, or spread pieces atop a big Greek salad with olives and cherry tomatoes. If you’re meal-prepping, portion with colorful grains and greens for a lunchbox everyone will envy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and enjoy your leftovers for up to four days—making it perfect for lunches, salads, or a second quick dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe after cooking. Wrap portions tightly or place them in freezer-safe bags; they’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For juicy results, reheat chicken gently in the microwave with a splash of water, or warm in a covered baking dish in a low oven (around 325°F) until heated through. If you’re adding it to a salad or wrap, room temperature works beautifully, too—no need to overthink it!
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
You can, but Greek yogurt’s thicker texture and higher protein content make it ideal for coating and tenderizing the chicken. Regular yogurt might make the marinade a bit runny, so drain it if you go this route.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes is key, thanks to the magical tenderizing power of the yogurt. Don’t overcook; remove from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Is this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it for bowls, salads, wraps, or just as a quick protein-rich snack straight from the fridge.
Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, both grilling and baking work beautifully. Grilling adds irresistibly smoky notes and charred edges, while baking keeps things easy indoors—choose whatever fits your mood and weather.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer: aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken should be opaque throughout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing main dish, you simply have to try this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe. It’s quick, wholesome, and guaranteed to impress—whether you serve it up tonight or stash it for delicious meals all week long.
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Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Chicken recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a main course. Marinated in a tangy yogurt mixture with herbs and spices, this chicken is tender and juicy whether baked in the oven or grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- Cooking Option 1 – Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken on a lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cooking Option 2 – Grilling: Heat a grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- For extra flavor, marinate overnight.
- Great for meal prep—slice and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
