Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. The yogurt marinade helps lock in moisture while infusing the chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. You can grill or bake the chicken to perfection, making it a versatile and healthy main dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baking) or 12-14 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours, or up to overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Prepare Chicken for Cooking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, adding a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Notes
- Marinating overnight results in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- If grilling, oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- This marinade also works well with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken breasts, chicken marinade, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe
