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Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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.

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

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