Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s impossibly tender, vibrantly flavored, and sure to impress anyone at your table, Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken absolutely fits the bill. This dish combines creamy, herb-packed Greek yogurt with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and a pop of fresh dill, working magic as a marinade for juicy chicken thighs. The result is not just delicious grilled chicken, but an experience — each bite layered with Mediterranean-inspired flavor and perfect to tuck into warm pita with fresh toppings. Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back get-together, Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to build deep, delicious flavor in every bite. Each one plays a unique role, from tenderizing the chicken to delivering that distinctive Mediterranean flair.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Works as a tangy, probiotic-rich base and natural tenderizer for your chicken.
- Fresh Dill, chopped: Adds a refreshing herby brightness that sets this marinade apart.
- Shallots, minced: Deliver a gentle onion flavor that melts into the marinade for extra savory goodness.
- Garlic, minced: A must-have for depth and aroma, giving the chicken an irresistible zing.
- Lemon Juice: Offers bright acidity and a touch of citrus, balancing out the creamy yogurt.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses the marinade with earthy notes.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken thoroughly.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and complexity to every bite.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious marinade and staying juicy on the grill.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning the chicken before it hits the marinade.
- Pita Bread (or Naan), cut into slices: Ideal for scooping up the chicken and all your favorite toppings.
- Tzatziki Sauce: The cool, creamy finishing touch that complements the smoky chicken beautifully.
- Quick Pickled Onions: These bring a tangy crunch and a splash of color to your platter.
- English Cucumber, sliced: Crisp and refreshing, perfect for adding freshness to every bite.
- Fresh Mint or Dill Leaves: Extra herbs make everything feel fragrant and fresh.
- Lemon Slices: For bright flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
How to Make Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced shallots, garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. You’ll notice right away the incredible aroma of fresh herbs and garlic mingling with the bright tang of yogurt and lemon. This blend is the secret to punchy, irresistible Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken!
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Lay out your chicken thighs on a plate and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick beautifully and gives you that craveable grilled texture. Give the chicken a simple seasoning with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper — trust me, this step makes everything pop with flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the chicken thighs to a reusable silicone bag or a glass container. Pour your vibrant marinade all over, making sure each piece is completely coated. For best results, cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, marinate overnight. The yogurt works wonders in tenderizing the protein, so the longer you wait, the more succulent your Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken will become.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400 degrees F. For easy cleanup and even cooking, place heavy-duty foil or a grill mat on the grates and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer over direct heat. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the thickest part reaches 160 degrees F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes; this keeps the juices locked in and delivers the most flavorful result.
Step 5: Serve Your Chicken
Slice or leave the chicken whole, and serve alongside warm pita bread, a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce, crumbly feta, fresh herbs, crisp cucumber slices, punchy quick-pickled onions, and tart lemon wedges. Every element adds texture and color, making Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken a true feast for the senses.
How to Serve Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken with extra fresh dill or mint leaves, a pinch of flaky salt, and a few lemon slices for a zesty finish. A scattering of feta cheese and pickled onions also brings a lovely pop of contrast. These easy garnishes make the dish look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs perfectly with a classic Greek salad, a platter of roasted vegetables, or some homemade hummus for dipping. Fluffy rice pilaf or orzo tossed with herbs brings out the Mediterranean vibes even more. Don’t forget pita or naan — they’re perfect vehicles for scooping up every last bite of Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the ordinary by creating DIY chicken pita wraps with an array of toppings, or slice the chicken and layer it atop a big salad loaded with chickpeas, tomatoes, and olives. For a fun sharing platter, arrange all your sides, garnishes, and chicken family-style so everyone can build their own perfect Mediterranean plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing to maintain its juicy texture. Store any garnishes or sauces separately for the freshest results.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for busy days ahead! Once cooled, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While fresh herbs and yogurt sauces are best made fresh, the chicken itself reheats well from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat and warm gently until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave using 50 percent power in 30-second bursts — this keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay exceptionally juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out a bit faster than thighs.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries — you can substitute with half the amount of dried dill, or mix in other soft herbs like parsley, basil, or even a mix for a fresh herby twist. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken be baked instead of grilled?
Yes, this recipe adapts beautifully to the oven. Arrange the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden at the edges.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than overnight?
It’s best not to go much beyond 24 hours, as the lemon and yogurt can start to break the chicken down a bit too much. Marinating overnight is perfect for maximum flavor and tenderness without turning the meat mushy.
What’s the best way to make quick pickled onions for this dish?
Simply slice a red onion thinly and cover in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, plus a pinch of salt and a bit of sugar. Let sit for 20-30 minutes while you prep the rest of your Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken — they’ll be zippy and ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about gathering around a table with Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken as the star. Whether you’re grilling outside or baking at home, this recipe brings bright, bold flavors everyone will love. Give it a try — I promise it’ll quickly become one of your most-requested meals!
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Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and juicy Marinated Greek Yogurt Chicken recipe that is perfect for grilling. The chicken is marinated in a tangy Greek yogurt mixture and served with traditional Mediterranean accompaniments like tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon shallots, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken:
- 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
Serving:
- 2–4 pieces pita bread (or naan), cut into slices
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Quick pickled onions
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- Fresh mint or dill leaves
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Make Marinade – In a medium bowl, combine the Greek Marinade Ingredients. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Prep Chicken – Place chicken on a plate and pat dry with clean paper towel. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Marinate Chicken – Place chicken thighs in a reusable silicone bag or glass container. Pour marinade over top and ensure chicken is fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Grill Chicken – Heat grill to medium-high heat (approx. 400 degrees F.). Place a piece of heavy-duty foil over top the grill grates (or your favorite grill mat) and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken on top over direct heat and let cook approx. 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 160 degrees F. Transfer to a plate and let rest 5-10 minutes.
- Serve Chicken – Serve chicken with pita bread, crumbled feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, fresh mint or dill, English cucumber, quick pickled onions, and fresh lemon slices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the grilled chicken before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning in the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with accompaniments
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Greek Yogurt Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Mediterranean Recipe, Tzatziki Sauce, Marinated Chicken
