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Yogurt Marinated Chicken – Tender grilled chicken coated in a lemony Greek yogurt marinade with garlic and herbs.
This yogurt marinated chicken is one of the easiest ways I know to turn simple chicken breasts into something actually exciting for dinner. The yogurt keeps the chicken juicy while adding bright, savory flavor, making it an easy option for weeknight grilling or summer dinners.
A quick mixture of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs does all the work while the chicken sits in the fridge. When it hits the grill, the outside gets lightly charred while the inside stays juicy and tender.
I started making chicken this way after realizing how much yogurt helps keep it from drying out. It clings to the meat just enough to carry all the seasoning with it, and the lemon brightens everything up.
I usually serve it with something fresh and crisp on the side, like Greek Pasta Salad or Greek Salad, which balances the smoky flavor from the grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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- Greek Yogurt
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Greek Seasoning Blend Or Oregano
- Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Chicken Breasts – you can swap for chicken thighs, the cook time will be about the same.
- Parsley
- Lemon Wedges
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Greek seasoning blend, or Oregano
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Chopped Parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Mix together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1 Tablespoon Greek seasoning blend, 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Add chicken and yogurt mixture to a zip top plastic bag. Massage the chicken and make sure that everything is well coated. Place in fridge for 30-40 minutes.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from grill and serve topped with parsley and lemon wedges on the side.Chopped Parsley, Lemon wedges
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
- Mix the Marinade – Stir together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, seasoning, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken – Add the chicken to the marinade and turn it until every piece is fully covered.
- Marinate Briefly – Let the chicken rest in the fridge so the yogurt mixture can soak in and flavor the meat.
- Cook the Chicken – Grill over medium-high heat until the outside is lightly charred and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish & Serve – Transfer to a platter and top with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – Thicker yogurt clings to the chicken better and helps keep it moist while cooking.
- Marinate at Least 30 Minutes – Giving the chicken time in the yogurt mixture allows the garlic, lemon, and herbs to soak in.
- Preheat the Grill Well – A hot grill helps the chicken cook evenly and creates light char marks.
- Oil the Grill Grates – Brushing the grates with oil prevents the yogurt marinade from sticking.
- Bake Instead of Grill – This recipe also works in the oven on a lined baking sheet if grilling isn’t an option.
Yes. Bake the chicken at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
Absolutely! Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken. The natural acidity gently breaks down the meat, helping it stay juicy during cooking. So you can use whatever your favorite spices are and get a tender and juicy grilled chicken.
