When I think about a meal that is both comforting and refreshing, this Greek yogurt marinated chicken always comes to mind. The first time I tried this recipe, I was looking for something light yet satisfying, and the flavors instantly won me over. The creamy yogurt mixed with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs gives the chicken a burst of brightness, while also making it unbelievably tender. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of warm evenings, outdoor grilling, and sharing a simple but delicious meal with family.
What I love most is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need complicated steps or rare ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and fresh herbs, the marinade comes together in minutes. Once the chicken rests in that tangy yogurt mixture, all the magic happens. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also works as a natural tenderizer, ensuring juicy chicken every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Versatile: This marinated chicken pairs beautifully with salads, rice, roasted vegetables, or even inside a wrap. You can grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stovetop, making it fit into any mealtime.
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Budget-Friendly: All ingredients are affordable and easily available. A few basics like yogurt, garlic, and lemon turn into a flavorful marinade without breaking the bank.
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Healthy: The recipe uses clean, wholesome ingredients. The yogurt provides protein and probiotics, while herbs and spices bring natural flavor without extra fat.
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Family Favorite: Whether for a weekday dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish pleases both kids and adults. The flavor is mild yet vibrant, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
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8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
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3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
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1 shallot, minced
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3 tablespoons minced garlic
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Making this Greek yogurt marinated chicken is straightforward, and the results are always impressive. The marinade takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet it transforms simple chicken thighs into a flavorful dish that feels special. With the right balance of creaminess from the yogurt, tang from the lemon, and warmth from the spices, this chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
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Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps the marinade stick better and ensures the chicken grills evenly. -
Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until smooth. The marinade should look creamy and fragrant. -
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into the bowl and toss them well so each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best results, marinate overnight. The longer the chicken sits, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. -
Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 400°F. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a stovetop grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. -
Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Discard any leftover marinade in the bowl. Cook on direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Close the lid of the grill between flips to retain heat and keep the chicken juicy. -
Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about five minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. For added moisture, loosely cover the chicken with foil while resting.
Quick and Easy
Although the chicken needs time to marinate, the hands-on preparation is quick and simple. In less than fifteen minutes, you can have the chicken ready to soak in its flavorful mixture. Cooking takes only ten minutes, which makes this recipe perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Adjust the spices by adding chili flakes for heat, or use parsley instead of dill for a different herbal note. The marinade also works beautifully with turkey or fish.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a backyard barbecue, this dish always satisfies. The mild yet tangy flavor appeals to all ages, and the juicy texture makes it a hit every time. You can serve it with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad, creating a full and balanced meal.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if you are short on time, even one hour of marinating will still deliver good results.Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more quickly. To prevent this, grill them for 6 to 7 minutes per side and check for doneness with a thermometer.What if I don’t have a grill?
You can easily cook the marinated chicken on a stovetop grill pan, a cast iron skillet, or even bake it in the oven. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked.Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the marinade. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.What can I serve with Greek yogurt marinated chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, pita bread, fresh salads, or grilled potatoes. You can also slice it into wraps or bowls for an easy lunch option.
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This Greek yogurt marinated chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. The creamy yogurt marinade with lemon, garlic, and herbs tenderizes the chicken and makes it perfect for grilling, stovetop cooking, or even baking.
- Total Time: Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight for best results)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
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3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
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1 shallot, minced
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3 tablespoons minced garlic
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix until smooth.
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Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
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Preheat the grill to 400°F. If using a stovetop grill pan or skillet, heat over medium-high.
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Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep the grill lid closed between flips for even cooking.
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Remove from the grill once cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil, before serving.
Notes
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For a lighter option, chicken breasts can be used but reduce cooking time to prevent drying.
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Fresh parsley can replace dill for a different herbal touch.
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The chicken can also be baked at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
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Always discard leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
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