Juicy Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken is made with simple ingredients that transform chicken breasts into tender, flavorful chicken. This easy chicken recipe is ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make juicy, flavorful chicken, this yogurt marinated chicken will be your new go-to recipe.
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Marinated chicken in Greek yogurt
A seasoned yogurt chicken marinade flavors and tenderizes chicken.
The combination of yogurt, lemon juice and warm spices adds delicious flavor and juiciness to chicken.
You can bake, grill or pan-sear your chicken, making it an easy weeknight dinner option.
Tender, protein-packed, and bursting with savory goodness, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into forkfuls of deliciousness.
The creamy Greek yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and also helps to keep the chicken incredibly moist during cooking.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors, baking in the oven, or cooking on the stovetop, this versatile recipe delivers amazingly delicious results.
This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
The blend of herbs and spices creates a balanced, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with your favorite side dishes.
And the best part? It’s made with pantry staples you most likely already have on hand.
Weeknight dinners just got easier and tastier with this yogurt marinated chicken.
Once you try this easy chicken recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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How to make marinated chicken in Greek yogurt
This is a quick overview of how to make this easy marinated chicken recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl
- Step 2: Whisk or stir the marinade until blended.
- Step 3: Combine the chicken and Greek yogurt marinade in a food storage bag or in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken in the oven, on the grill or on the tovetop until the juices run clear and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F.
Hint: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavor will be. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Expert recipe tips
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavor will be. I recommend a minimum of two hours marinating but overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
- You may want to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the 5 minute resting time after cooking because it helps to redistribute the juices and it keeps the chicken juicy.
- Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts – You can make this recipe with chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Greek Yogurt – If you want a lactose-free option. You can change out the Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt.
- Italian Seasoning – Dried Greek seasoning, dried oregano or dried basil can be used in place of dried Italian seasoning.
- Lemon Juice - Lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil – Vegetable oil or avocado oil can replace olive oil.
Variations
- Fresh Herb Chicken - Stir fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, cilantro or basil for a fresh herbaceous finish.
- Middle Eastern Chicken - Add cumin and coriander for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Smoky Chicken - Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Spicy Chicken - Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage
- Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out or serve cold or at room temperature in a salad, sandwich or wrap.
- Marinated raw chicken can be stored in the refrigeratot for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Greek yogurt chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinade while staying tender and juicy.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – This is the star ingredient of the recipe that tenderizes the chicken and creates a creamy, tangy base for the marinade.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil adds a richness and also helps the marinade to coat the chicken evenly.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a warm, savory depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice brightens the marinade with fresh citrus notes and helps to tenderize the chicken even more.
- Dried Italian Seasoning - This blend of herbs adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Paprika – Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder lends a mild, sweet-savory flavor that complements the garlic.
- Kosher Salt – Kosher salt makes all the flavors pop and helps season the chicken thoroughly.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle hint of heat and balances the creamy marinade.
Easy Chicken Recipes
What to serve with Greek yogurt chicken
Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 ¼ pounds
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, pepper and onion powder, stirring until blended.
- Add the chicken and coat thoroughly so that all pieces of chicken are evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight. Marinating overnight will give you the best flavor and tenderness. You can also place the chicken and marinade in a food storage bag to marinate.
Oven Directions
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until the juices run clear and a meat thermometer registers 165F.
Grilling Directions
- To grill, preheat your grill for direct heat cooking. Arrange the chicken, top sides down, on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes. Turn and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the chicken juices run clear and a meat thermometer registers 165F.
Pan-Searing Directions
- To pan-sear, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, top sides down, and cook for 6-8 minutes. Turn and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear and an instant read thermometer registers 165F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to be redistributed.
- Garlish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges.
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