Description
Whipping up Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken brings pure Mediterranean magic to your dinner table. Tender chicken soaks in zesty yogurt and herbs, delivering a meal that feels like a quick trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade:
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
- Submerge 1½ pounds of chicken thighs or breasts completely in the yogurt mixture, ensuring every surface gets coated evenly.
- Cover the marinating chicken and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- For stovetop method, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place into hot skillet.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, tracking internal temperature until it reaches 165°F.
- For oven method, preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer marinated chicken onto prepared baking sheet, spreading pieces slightly apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking that internal temperature hits 165°F.
- For grilling, heat barbecue to medium-high around 400°F.
- Place marinated chicken directly on clean, oiled grates.
- Grill 5-7 minutes per side, rotating once for even cooking and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight gives the most tender and flavorful result.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer marinade that helps keep the chicken incredibly moist during cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling or roasting to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in all the delicious flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all your marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg