Description
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano. The yogurt marinade not only infuses the chicken with Mediterranean flavors but also helps keep it juicy and tender when grilled to perfection. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a summer cookout, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, fresh salad, or pita bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Extra lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or oregano) for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade that will evenly coat the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the Grill. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to avoid flare-ups. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a nice char on the outside for that authentic smoky flavor.
- Rest and Serve. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices for more tender bites. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or warm pita bread.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will yield the most flavorful and tender chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Boneless thighs can also be used and will result in juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken under a broiler or on a hot grill pan for similar results.
- Adjust salt according to your dietary needs.
