Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken (Print version)

Tender chicken marinated in Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon, and spices. Grill or bake to juicy perfection in under 40 minutes.

# What goes in:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 1 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or low-fat)
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Garnishes

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Cooking steps:

01 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl until fully combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat or preheat oven to 425°F.
04 - Take chicken out of the marinade and allow excess to drip off. Discard any remaining used marinade.
05 - Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or bake on a lined baking sheet for 18 to 22 minutes until cooked through.
06 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

# Tips from flavorandfeast:

01 -
  • The yogurt tenderizes protein naturally, no harsh acids needed
  • Spices cling to every bite instead of washing away during cooking
02 -
  • Yogurt marinades can burn more quickly than oil-based ones, so watch the heat carefully on the grill
  • Patting chicken dry before cooking helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming
03 -
  • Bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for more even results
  • A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of doneness and prevents overcooking

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