Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken in a creamy Greek yogurt marinade with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices for maximum juiciness and flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 1 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or low-fat)
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Garnishes (optional)

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
02 - Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat or preheat oven to 425°F for baking method.
04 - Remove the chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
05 - Grill: Place chicken on grill, cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Oven: Place chicken on a lined baking sheet, bake 18-22 minutes or until cooked through.
06 - Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The Greek yogurt creates the most incredibly tender chicken texture youll ever experience
  • The marinade doubles as a flavor powerhouse that keeps the meat juicy even if you accidentally overcook it slightly
02 -
  • Patting off excess marinade before cooking prevents the yogurt from burning and creates better browning
  • Never reuse leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken, but the flavor impact on the meat is worth every drop
03 -
  • Use full fat Greek yogurt if you want the most luxurious texture and richest flavor
  • Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for even cooking throughout

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