Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The tangy yogurt and fragrant spices tenderize the chicken while adding a delicious Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 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
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, forming a smooth marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Step 3: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
4. Step 4: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If grilling, lightly oil the grates.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
6. Step 6: Place the chicken on the grill or in a baking dish if using an oven. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Step 8: Serve the marinated chicken garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, marinate the chicken overnight but avoid exceeding 24 hours as the yogurt can start breaking down the meat texture.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Try adding a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
• If you don’t have a grill, broiling the chicken in the oven is a great alternative to get a nice char.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat. This dish is best served fresh but keeps well chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?

Yes, this yogurt-based marinade works well with lamb, pork, or even firm fish like salmon. Adjust marinating times to avoid over-tenderizing more delicate proteins.

Do I need to discard the marinade after marinating the chicken?

Yes, discard the used marinade since it has been in contact with raw chicken, which can carry harmful bacteria. If you want to use it as a sauce, reserve some marinade before adding the chicken.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts infused with a tangy marinade made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfect for grilling or baking, this dish is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy juicy chicken with a Mediterranean twist.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 14 minutes (grilling)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (minimum, including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended, forming a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 1 hour. For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4 hours or up to overnight.
4. Preheat Grill or Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
5. Prepare Chicken for Cooking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade to avoid contamination.
6. Cook the Chicken: If grilling, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and cook in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
7. Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and ensures tenderness.
8. Serve: Slice the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top to add bright citrus flavor.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked.
• Can be served with sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This marinade also works well with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks.

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, marinated chicken breasts, grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, healthy chicken marinade