If you are looking for a new way to cook with chicken, then add this Greek Yogurt Chicken to your weekly meal plan. Marinating chicken thighs in Greek yogurt makes them incredibly tender, juicy and moist and gives a lovely creamy and tangy flavour. Perfect for adding to salads, pasta or protein bowls.
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Greek chicken with a yogurt marinade is just next level! This dish is as simple as mixing everything together in a bowl and cooking for 30 minutes, you can make this with chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
Eating chicken the same way all the time can get a bit boring. But, it's a great source of protein, low carb and perfect for weekly meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. This is such an easy way to get the most incredible tasting chicken, with some added protein from the yogurt too.
Looking for more ways to use Greek yogurt? Why not try our delicious Greek Yogurt Chia Pudding, healthy Chocolate Fruit Dip or oue impressive Watermelon Fruit Pizza?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken - We used boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this Greek yogurt marinated chicken recipe as it gives the juiciest chicken. However, you could use skinless chicken breast if you prefer, and it will make it leaner.
- Yogurt - We used 0% plain Greek yogurt for the Greek yogurt marinade, but you can use full fat which will give a creamier flavour. You can use plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt is thicker and provides a creamier texture and tangier flavour when you marinade ingredients this way. If using plain yogurt, consider straining it to achieve a similar consistency.
- Oil - You want to use a really good quality extra virgin olive oil, because it makes up a big part of the marinade, so you will be able to taste the difference.
- Lemon - We just used lemon juice, but you can add some lemon zest as well if you want extra lemon flavour.
- Shallots - These add a nice extra texture to the Greek yogurt chicken marinade, but they can be left out if needed or you can use onions instead.
- Seasoning - For the spices, we used a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic, paprika and dried oregano. This gives it a lovely Greek flavour. You could use a Greek seasoning blend if you prefer.
Variations
There are not too many different ways that you can change this Greek yogurt chicken recipe, however you can make them into skewers which are great for cooking on the BBQ.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate as normal. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
We baked these in the oven, however you can cook it in a hot pan with oil. They will take about 7-10 minutes each side. You can also air fryer them at 200°C/400°F for around 18-20 minutes, flipping half way.
How To Make Greek Yogurt Chicken
Prep: Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C(fan)/425°F/Gas 7. Line a baking dish or a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 1: Add all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Step 2: Mix well so that the chicken is fully covered and marinade the ingredients. Cover and put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Step 3: Put the chicken onto the lined baking tray with any remaining marinade. Put into the oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: If you want a crispier top, put under the grill (broiler) for 3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek yogurt chicken is so versatile, that there are so many different ways that you can serve it. We made a Greek yogurt chicken salad by serving it with some romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, feta and roasted sweet potato cubes. We like to finish it off with some fresh dill too.
This is a great way to add a protein boost to a Greek Salad too.
Pair this Greek yogurt chicken with air fryer roasted vegetables, Greek rice, or a simple little gem salad.
You can make wraps with the yogurt marinated chicken too. Shred the cooked chicken and wrap it in a warm pita or try our Homemade Flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and Tzatziki Sauce or Chilli Sauce.
Dannii's Top Tips
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
- This recipe works well on the grill, stovetop, or in an air fryer if you prefer not to use the oven.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or coriander (cilantro) for garnishing to add a little bit of colour.
- If you want a bit of spice, then why not add some red chilli flakes to the chicken and Greek yogurt?
- To make these extra crispy, you can bake and then broil/grill. Put under the broiler/grill for about 2 minutes to crisp up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftover chicken with Greek yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
The acidity from the Greek yogurt helps to tenderise the chicken thighs, which keeps them moist and juicy. Marinate for at least 2 hours, but 12 hours is best. Don't marinate it for longer than 24 hours, as it will become mushy.
The best way to ensure that it is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it has an internal temperature of 75°C/167°F at the thickest part of the meat.
Yes, you can, however it will increase the cooking time to around 50 minutes.
More Greek Recipes
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Recipe
Greek Yogurt Chicken
Ingredients
- 520 g (1.1 lb) Chicken thighs - boneless & skinless; approx 130g/4.5oz per thigh
- 130 g (0.5 cups) 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt
- 60 ml (0.25 cups) Olive oil - extra virgin
- 2 Shallots - finely diced
- 2 pinch Sea salt
- 2 pinch Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 Lemon - juice only
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Mix well so that the chicken is fully covered and marinade the ingredients. Cover and put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Put the chicken onto the lined baking tray with any remaining marinade. Put into the oven for 30 minutes.
- If you want a crispier top, put under the grill (broiler) for 3 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
- This recipe works well on the grill, stovetop, or in an air fryer if you prefer not to use the oven.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or coriander (cilantro) for garnishing to add a little bit of colour.
- If you want a bit of spice, then why not add some red chilli flakes to the chicken and Greek yogurt?
- To make these extra crispy, you can bake and then broil/grill. Put under the broiler/grill for about 2 minutes to crisp up.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Mrs Lesley Bennett-Chaney says
When you say freeze in the marinade, is after cooking, or before please?
Dannii Martin says
Before cooking.