Greek Yogurt Grilled Chicken Recipes

I've been making Greek yogurt marinated chicken for years now, and honestly, I don't know why I waited so long to share it. This is the kind of recipe that feels like a secret because it's ridiculously simple, but turns out restaurant-quality chicken every single time.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
• Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Ingredients
• How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
• Storage and Making It Last
• Simple Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
• Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
• Recipes You May Like
• The Bottom Line
• Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken That's Tender, Juicy, and So Easy

The magic is in that creamy Greek yogurt marinade. It keeps the chicken incredibly moist while the Mediterranean spices make it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Best part? You can grill it, bake it, or use a sheet pan. I make a double batch because Alex always asks for seconds.

This Greek yogurt marinated chicken comes together in about ten minutes of actual work, then the marinade does all the heavy lifting. I've tested it on the grill in summer and in the oven during winter, and it never disappoints.

You'll love my Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs if you're looking for other easy weeknight chicken recipes with similar tender, juicy results.

Why You'll Love This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Takes just 10 minutes to prep before the marinade does the work
• Creates incredibly tender and juicy chicken every single time
• Works perfectly on the grill, in the oven, or on a sheet pan
• Uses simple Mediterranean spices you probably have at home
• Makes incredible leftovers for salads and lunches
• The marinade keeps chicken moist so you can't really overcook it

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs if you prefer)
• Avocado oil for greasing the grill or pan

For the Marinade

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 2 lemons (fresh is better, trust me)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or more lemon juice works great too)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ¾ tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon dried basil
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

I use dried herbs because they're always on hand. The yogurt is the real star here though. It's what keeps everything tender and prevents drying out.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Making the Marinade

Add all your marinade ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. You can also combine everything in a one-gallon zip-top bag and shake it together. The goal is to get everything mixed evenly with no dry spice spots.

Marinating Your Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, coating each piece evenly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least four to six hours. Overnight marinating gives you even better results.

When ready to cook, pull the chicken out and let it sit for ten minutes. Use tongs to remove each piece and shake off excess marinade.

Grilling Your Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high with clean grates. Lightly oil the grates with avocado oil.

Place chicken on the grill and leave it alone for five to six minutes. When it releases easily, flip it and cook another four to six minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Rest for five to ten minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.

Baking Your Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a sheet pan. Arrange chicken pieces with about an inch of space between each one.

Bake for forty to forty-five minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The yogurt marinade won't brown like regular oil, but your chicken will cook perfectly.

Storage and Making It Last

Leftover Greek yogurt marinated chicken keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. The best part? It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors deepen.

For freezing, let the chicken cool completely first, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a 350°F oven for about fifteen minutes to keep it juicy.

Simple Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

Chicken thickness matters. If you get a really thick breast, gently pound it with a meat mallet to even it out so everything cooks at the same speed.

Don't skip the marinating time. Those four to six hours really do make a difference. That's when the yogurt breaks down the proteins and makes everything super tender.

Make double marinade. The recipe doubles easily for meal prep or cooking for a crowd.

Try chicken thighs too. They're more forgiving with this marinade since they have more fat. Just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Turn it into kebabs. Chop marinated chicken into bite-sized pieces, thread onto soaked wooden skewers, and grill for about twelve to fifteen minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

How long should you marinate Greek yogurt marinated chicken for the best results?

I recommend at least four to six hours, and overnight is even better. The yogurt needs time to tenderize the chicken proteins. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. I've marinated chicken for up to twenty-four hours with amazing results.

Can you bake Greek yogurt marinated chicken instead of grilling it?

Absolutely. Baking at 375°F for forty to forty-five minutes works perfectly and gives you the same juicy, tender results. I actually bake this chicken most of the time because it's easier than grilling.

What does Greek yogurt do to chicken in a marinade?

Greek yogurt is acidic like lemon but also creamy and full of probiotics. It tenderizes the chicken while keeping it moist during cooking. The proteins break down slightly, creating that tender texture while the fat seals in moisture.

How do you know when Greek yogurt marinated chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part and make sure there's no pink inside and the juices run clear.

Recipes You May Like

• Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is another weeknight favorite that's just as simple and equally delicious
• Creamy Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers gives you that same Mediterranean flavor but with a beautiful creamy sauce
• Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs is perfect when you want something with more sauce and that smoky BBQ flavor

The Bottom Line

This Greek yogurt marinated chicken has honestly changed how I think about weeknight dinners. Simple doesn't mean boring. Ten minutes of prep and you've got restaurant-quality chicken that's tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.

I hope you'll give this recipe a try and make it as many times as I do. Drop me a comment and let me know how it turns out for your family. Save this recipe to Pinterest so you have it handy for your next dinner night.

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