Greek yogurt chicken is an easy way to make chicken breasts juicy, tender, and full of fresh lemon flavor with very little prep. The yogurt marinade does all the work for a simple grilled chicken upgrade.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: This chicken is bright, zesty, and savory with fresh Mediterranean inspired flavor in every tender, juicy bite.
- Skill Level: This beginner friendly recipe is easy to make with a simple, yet flavorful marinade while the grill cooks the chicken quickly for a fast, budget friendly meal.
- Tools: All you need are a mixing bowl, a zippered bag or shallow dish for marinating, a grill, and an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Serving Suggestions: This 2 serving recipe makes an easy summer dinner with a kale salad, or alongside cauliflower rice and grilled vegetables. Double the recipe for weekly meal prep!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: I love using boneless and skinless chicken breast that are similar in size. Drumsticks, thighs, or skin on legs will work in this recipe, but be aware they may cook at a different rate.
- Marinade:
- Use a quality olive oil for rich flavor and to help the marinade coat the chicken evenly. Avocado oil can also work.
- Full fat, plain Greek yogurt, makes the creamiest marinade. You can use regular plain yogurt but it will will be a bit looser.
- Fresh lemon juice is the best way to produce a bright flavor and help tenderize, but bottled lemon juice can work.
- Fresh minced garlic helps create a delicious, savory marinade. Use garlic paste for a smoother texture.
- Lemon zest lives up to it’s name because it definitely adds a zesty flavor without thinning the marinade.
- Herbs like dried oregano, basil, and thyme produce that Mediterranean style flavor.
- Spices like smoked paprika add color and smoky depth, salt enhances the bright and savory flavors, while black pepper adds a mild warmth.
- Garnish: While optional, lemon slices, parsley, or red pepper flakes can add freshness, color, or a little heat.
- Variations:
- Chicken breasts can be marinated and skewered for faster grilling.
- Switch up the seasonings with this DIY garlic and herb seasoning or an Italian blend that can also be used to season grilled veggies. Stir in a little chopped dill for a Greek inspired flavor profile or add a pinch of cumin for a warmer Mediterranean feel.
- Add some fried capers for even more flavor.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Prepare marinade (full recipe below).
- In a bowl, marinate chicken for up to two hours.
- Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest and garnish as desired
Save it For Later
- Refrigerate leftover Greek chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Warm gently in the microwave at low power or in a covered skillet with a splash of water.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Slice or chop leftovers and use cold in lettuce wraps, chicken salad, a lunch bowl, or add to a tasty soup.
Fresh Mediterranean Pairings
Did you make this Greek yogurt chicken? Leave a comment and rating below.
Greek Yogurt Chicken
Greek yogurt chicken is an easy grilled chicken recipe with bright lemon, garlic, and herbs in every bite.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts*
Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika until smooth.
- Place chicken pieces in a zippered bag (or the bowl). Spoon marinade over the chicken and make sure it is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, no more than 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Place chicken on a hot grill. Discard remaining marinade. Cook 6 to 8 minutes per side until chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish as desired with lemon slices, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Notes
- *substitute 2 chicken legs (skin-on thighs or drumsticks)
- If chicken breasts are exceptionally thick, place them between two sheets of parchment paper and roll them with a rolling pin or use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently flatten them out.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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have not made yet. Can this be done in an air fryer, rather than on the grill. If so, what temp & how long
Hi Judy, we have not tried this recipe in the air fryer yet but you could reference our Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe for an example of cooking temperature and times.