Name: Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced); ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ cup fresh Italian parsley (roughly chopped); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more for seasoning at the last minute); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ lb. skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast* – read note); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (to brush grill grates)

Jump to Recipe

If you crave succulent, flavor-packed chicken with minimal effort, let me introduce you to the magic of this Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe. It’s an absolute game changer for weeknights or gatherings, packing delicious punch with creamy yogurt, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs and spices. This marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a moist, tender, and utterly satisfying main dish. Whether you prefer grilling outdoors or cozy oven baking, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again!

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of well-chosen ingredients is all it takes to create this scrumptious chicken marinade. Each one plays a crucial role—the Greek yogurt tenderizes, the lemon brightens, and the combination of herbs and spices gives the chicken its unmistakable allure. Here’s what you’ll need, and why every component matters:

Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: This thick, creamy base not only tenderizes the chicken but makes sure every bite turns out melt-in-your-mouth juicy.
Lemon Zest: Adds a spark of citrus fragrance that lifts the whole marinade to another level.
Lemon Juice: Provides the classic tang and ensures the chicken stays fresh and vibrant.
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and adds a pleasant richness.
Minced Garlic: Lends that unmistakable punch of flavor—don’t skimp!
Onion Powder: For a subtle, savory undertone that rounds out the marinade.
Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth that compliments the Mediterranean flavors.
Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses the chicken with herbal notes.
Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished dish.
Fresh Italian Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the flavor and looks gorgeous in the marinade.
Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing out the best in your chicken.
Black Pepper: For just a touch of heat and complexity.
Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): Lean, juicy cuts that soak up the marinade—use whichever you like best!
Vegetable Oil: Used for brushing the grill grates or pan, ensuring the chicken never sticks.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Start by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and the herbs and spices are evenly distributed. This is where the Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe really comes to life—the aroma of the fresh lemon and herbs is irresistible!

Step 2: Submerge the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs (or breasts, if that’s your preference) to the bowl, making sure every piece is completely coated in the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to turn and tuck the chicken so the marinade clings to every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Marinate and Chill

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. The magic number here is at least 4 hours, but if you have the time, try for overnight (up to 12 hours). The longer the chicken soaks, the more flavorful and tender it becomes—worth the wait!

Step 4: Prep for Cooking

When you’re ready to cook, pull the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off (you can gently scrape it off if needed). Sprinkle each piece lightly with a little more salt and pepper for that perfect finish. Don’t forget to discard the leftover marinade—it’s done its job!

Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method

You’ve got options! For grilling, preheat your gas grill to medium-high and brush the grates well with vegetable oil. Grill the chicken about 8–10 minutes, turning once, until juicy and safely cooked through. If the oven is more your style, bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 18–22 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees internal temperature. For stovetop, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high and cook the chicken for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer your cooked chicken to a plate, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This keeps every drop of juiciness locked inside for the ultimate Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe experience!

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe

Garnishes

A simple finish can make this chicken look restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley, a few lemon wedges on the side, or even a dusting of smoked paprika. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a glossy, mouthwatering touch.

Side Dishes

Pairing options are endless, but you can’t go wrong with warm pita bread, Greek salad, herbed rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. A dollop of tzatziki or extra Greek yogurt is lovely for dipping, keeping the meal fresh and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and tucking it into pita for delicious wraps, adding it to a fresh salad bowl, or presenting it family-style on a big platter. Scatter cherry tomatoes and olives over the top for added color and a Mediterranean vibe. The Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe is also fabulous for meal prep or party platters—the options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken keeps beautifully. Once cooled, transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day treat. Use up within 3–4 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best to freeze the chicken before adding garnishes. Label and date your container, and enjoy within three months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in short intervals to keep it moist. You can also warm it in a 325 degree oven, covered, for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner but will still turn out tender and flavorful with the Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it safe to reuse leftover marinade?

For food safety, always discard the marinade used on raw chicken. If you’d like extra sauce for serving, set some marinade aside before adding the raw chicken.

What’s the ideal marinating time?

A minimum of 4 hours works well, but letting the chicken soak overnight (8–12 hours) produces maximum flavor and the best texture. Longer than 12 hours isn’t necessary, as the acid can eventually start to break down the chicken too much.

Can I bake, grill, or pan-sear this chicken?

Yes! The Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Use whichever cooking method you prefer—grilling gives a smoky char, baking is easy for a crowd, and pan-searing offers a golden crust.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the chicken. Letting it rest after cooking helps retain all the tasty juices.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress with a dish that feels both simple and special, give this Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that invites second helpings and happy conversation around the table. Trust me—once you taste how tender and flavorful this chicken turns out, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare chicken. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the combination of herbs and spices infuses it with amazing taste. Perfect for grilling, baking, or cooking on the stove.

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade.
Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking: Remove chicken from marinade, season, and cook on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove until fully cooked.

Notes

You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean