Quick & Tangy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe for Juicy Bites

Greek yogurt enhances ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece of tenderness and flavor.

Creamy, tangy marinades work their magic on protein, infusing each bite with incredible depth.

Proteins break down beautifully when yogurt natural enzymes interact with meat fibers.

The combination creates incredibly moist and succulent chicken that rivals restaurant-quality dishes.

Marinating becomes an art form with this simple yet sophisticated technique that elevates home cooking.

Dairy’s remarkable properties penetrate deep into chicken, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and remarkable texture.

Cold fermentation techniques allow complex taste profiles to develop gradually, intensifying every mouthwatering element.

What You’ll Crave About Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Tenderize with Tangy Magic: Greek yogurt acts as a natural meat tenderizer, breaking down proteins and infusing chicken with incredible softness and rich flavor without heavy cream or complicated techniques.
• Versatile Grilling Brilliance: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish using simple grilling methods that work perfectly for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues with minimal preparation time.
• Healthy Flavor Explosion: By using Greek yogurt as a marinade base, you're adding protein, reducing fat content, and creating a zesty, herb-packed coating that keeps chicken incredibly moist and deliciously seasoned without excess calories.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: The flexible marinating time (2-24 hours) and straightforward grilling instructions make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring consistently juicy and flavorful chicken every single time.

Ingredients to Build the Bold Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat yogurt for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and adds rich Mediterranean flavor.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty combination that enhances chicken's natural taste, fresh garlic provides more intense flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify overall dish profile.

• Dried Oregano, Fresh Parsley: Classic Greek herbs that provide authentic Mediterranean aromatics, choose fresh parsley for vibrant color and taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice component that adds subtle heat and depth to the marinade.

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Protein base of the recipe, boneless and skinless cuts work best for even marinating and quick grilling.

Steps to Sizzle the Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Step 1: Blend Tangy Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Place chicken in a large resealable freezer bag. Pour the yogurt marinade directly over the chicken.

Step 3: Seal and Massage

Carefully seal the bag, pressing out any extra air. Gently massage the marinade to coat every inch of the chicken.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Infuse Flavors

• Chicken breasts: 2-8 hours
• Chicken thighs: Up to 24 hours

Step 5: Prep the Grill

Fire up a gas grill to 425°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly brush with cooking oil.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

• Cooking time: 5-7 minutes per side
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness
• Look for golden brown exterior and juicy interior

Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in those delicious juices.

Handy Tips for a Flavor-Packed Greek Yogurt Chicken

• Maximize Tenderness: Use full-fat Greek yogurt to ensure the chicken stays incredibly juicy and soft during marinating and grilling.
• Prevent Sticking: Pat chicken completely dry before grilling to help achieve perfect grill marks and prevent meat from clinging to grates.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F, avoiding both undercooking and drying out.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinade for an extra layer of authentic Greek-inspired taste.
• Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat remarkably tender.

Keeping Greek Yogurt Chicken Fresh for Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Microwaving works quickly but can make chicken tough, so use low power and add a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Dishes That Pair Well with Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Craft Crisp Mediterranean Salad Companion: Pair the tangy Greek yogurt marinated chicken with a light cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. The fresh vegetables complement the grilled chicken's rich flavors and provide a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Pour Bright White Wine: Select a crisp Assyrtiko from Greece or a Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the chicken's creamy marinade. These wines offer bright acidity that matches the yogurt's tanginess and enhances the grilled meat's smoky notes.
• Serve Herbed Tzatziki Side: Create a traditional Greek tzatziki sauce with additional Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This sauce echoes the marinade's ingredients and adds a zesty, creamy element that elevates the chicken's taste profile.
• Sprinkle Herb-Infused Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, creating a light, protein-rich side that absorbs the chicken's marinade juices. This grain provides a nutritious base that balances the meal's Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

New Takes on Classic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap Greek yogurt with tzatziki sauce and add fresh dill for an extra herbal Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Chicken: Mix in sriracha or harissa paste with the yogurt marinade to create a bold, fiery version that tingles taste buds.
• Herb Garden Infusion: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the yogurt marinade for an aromatic herb-packed chicken experience.
• Citrus Zest Edition: Blend orange and lemon zest directly into the yogurt marinade to introduce bright, tangy undertones that elevate the chicken's natural flavor.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek yogurt marinated chicken brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table. Zesty herbs, tangy yogurt, and perfectly grilled meat create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 ¼ pounds (1.02 kilograms) boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 7 thighs), or chicken breasts (about 5)

Yogurt Marinade Base:

• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) whole milk Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (can adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful marinade by thoroughly whisking Greek yogurt with selected seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Transfer chicken pieces into a large, sealable plastic storage bag, ensuring ample space for even coating.
3. Gently pour the prepared yogurt marinade directly over the chicken, distributing the mixture to completely envelop each piece.
4. Carefully eliminate excess air from the bag and seal tightly, then massage the marinade into the chicken to guarantee comprehensive coverage.
5. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, with optimal flavor development occurring between 8 hours for chicken breasts and 24 hours for chicken thighs.
6. Heat a gas grill to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius), meticulously cleaning the grates and applying a light brush of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
7. Place marinated chicken on the preheated grill, cooking each side for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured at the thickest portion using an instant-read meat thermometer.
8. Remove chicken from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken effortlessly with Greek yogurt’s natural enzymes, creating a mouthwatering, juicy result.
• Marinate between 2-24 hours depending on chicken cut, allowing deeper flavor penetration and maximum tenderness.
• Seal marinade bag carefully, ensuring even coating and preventing potential cross-contamination.
• Maintain proper grilling temperature at 425°F for perfect external char and internal moisture.
• Use instant-read thermometer to confirm safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing fully cooked chicken.
• Clean and lightly oil grill grates beforehand to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 331 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 488 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg