Greek Yogurt Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a refreshing twist to traditional poultry recipes. The secret lies in the creamy, tangy yogurt, which tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with rich, subtle flavors. Unlike heavy cream-based marinades, Greek yogurt adds a lightness that keeps the chicken moist without overwhelming the palate. This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something satisfying but not overly indulgent.
The preparation begins with selecting quality chicken, whether it’s boneless breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. The acidity of the yogurt works on the protein in the chicken, breaking it down gently for an exceptionally tender texture. A short marinating time of a few hours is often enough to achieve this effect, although overnight marination deepens the flavor even more.
Once marinated, the chicken can be cooked in several ways, depending on your preference and available kitchen equipment. Oven-baking is a popular choice, allowing the yogurt to form a golden crust while keeping the interior juicy. Pan-searing offers a faster option, giving a slightly crispy exterior and rich, caramelized flavor. Grilling the chicken brings a smoky dimension, perfect for outdoor meals and summer barbecues. Regardless of the cooking method, the key is to cook the chicken until it reaches the perfect internal temperature, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Serving Greek Yogurt Chicken is versatile and easy. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple grain like quinoa or rice. A drizzle of extra yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Its bright, creamy taste pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides such as roasted peppers, olives, or lemon-garlic potato wedges.
Whether you’re preparing a comforting family dinner or a light, elegant meal for guests, Greek Yogurt Chicken stands out for its simplicity, tenderness, and bright flavor. It’s a healthy, protein-packed option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a staple worth trying in any home kitchen. This dish proves that a few simple ingredients, combined with the magic of Greek yogurt, can create a meal that’s both wholesome and delightfully delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 pieces chicken breasts boneless and skinless
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated with the yogurt mixture.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Easy to follow! My kids loved it, even asked for seconds! Can’t believe they ate their veggies with it too.
This chicken is simply divine! The yogurt keeps it super moist. 😍
But isn’t it a bit strange to use yogurt? I don’t know if that sounds good.
I agree! Yogurt really does make a difference. It’s so juicy! 😋
Baked chicken?? That’s rare for me but my buddy says I’m missing out. Gonna give this a go then!
Best chicken I’ve ever made! And I’m no chef, haha. My husband couldn’t believe it was this easy!
I was skeptical at first, but wow this turned out great! Definitely making it again.
So happy to hear that! It really is a winner, isn’t it? Can’t wait to make it again myself!
I don’t get why people use yogurt for chicken? Sounds weird to me. But I gave it a try. Still not convinced.
Yogurt on chicken? Really? Sounds a bit gross to me. I’d just stick to regular marinades.
I thought the same at first! But the yogurt makes the chicken so tender and juicy. Maybe give it another try?
25 mins? My chicken still was pink. Had to cook longer. Maybe my oven is off… idk.
What’s with the fancy ingredients? I just used regular yogurt from the store. Still turned out fine, lol.
Fancy or not, if it turned out fine, that’s all that matters! 🙂
Not a fan of Greek yogurt, are there alternatives? Also, why do we have to let it marinate so long?
Tasted great! But I think I overcooked it a bit, still juicy tho. Learning experience!
I dunno… I thought it would be better. The yogurt taste was kinda overwhelming. Maybe too much garlic?
This recipe was a hit at our dinner! The yogurt made the chicken so tender and flavorful. Thanks!
Yum! So easy and delicious. I’m gonna try it with some spices next time. 🥳