Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with a flavorful marinade made from Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and warm spices like oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. The marinade not only imparts delicious Mediterranean flavors but also helps to keep the chicken moist and succulent. Perfectly cooked on the grill or baked in the oven, this dish is simple, healthy, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 14 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to overnight marinating plus cooking time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 thoroughly until the ingredients create a smooth and well-incorporated marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 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 you choose to bake.
- Remove Excess Marinade: Take the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade safely.
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, place the chicken on the prepared grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. For baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the chicken for an added burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you prefer, chicken thighs can be substituted, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- For a smokier flavor, smoked paprika can be increased slightly according to taste.
- This recipe is versatile and can be cooked using either a grill or oven based on your preference or availability.
Keywords: Greek yogurt marinated chicken, grilled chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe, yogurt marinade, easy chicken dinner
