Juicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe: A Tantalizing Family Hit

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this greek yogurt chicken strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and incredible flavor.

Marinating tender chicken in creamy, tangy yogurt infuses each bite with mouthwatering depth and moisture.

The marinade works its magic, tenderizing the meat while layering complex seasonings that dance across your palate.

Fresh herbs and garlic blend seamlessly with the yogurt, creating a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Every forkful promises a delightful combination of zesty and smooth textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe brings Mediterranean-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such a spectacular main course.

What You Need for Greek Yogurt Chicken

• Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes meat with tangy richness and creates silky smooth coating.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures chicken stays moist during cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps break down protein for more tender chicken.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrusy aroma and deepens flavor profile.

• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent flavor and classic Mediterranean character.
• Oregano: Delivers earthy, slightly bitter herbaceous notes typical in Greek cuisine.
• Thyme: Contributes subtle, minty undertones that complement chicken perfectly.
• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet red pepper flavor and beautiful color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting spicy dimension.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and traditional seasoning complexity.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and creates tender, flavorful main dish.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): Provides fresh, green brightness and visual appeal.

Tools That Make Baking Yogurt Chicken Simple

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending yogurt and spices smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure herbs and spices.
• Zip-top bag or container: Ideal for marinating chicken.
• Baking dish: Essential for cooking chicken in the oven.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling chicken during cooking.

How to Bake Chicken With Tangy Greek Yogurt

• Create Flavorful Coating

Whip up a tangy mixture by blending creamy Greek yogurt with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and warming spices. This magical marinade will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Infuse the Chicken

Massage the yogurt mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets coated. Let it chill in the refrigerator to soak up all those incredible flavors for a few hours.

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm the oven to a toasty 375F and lightly grease a baking dish, preparing for chicken perfection.

• Bake to Juicy Goodness

Shake off excess marinade and place chicken in the dish. Bake until the meat is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature, typically around 25-30 minutes.

• Add Golden Finishing Touch

For an extra crispy exterior, switch to broil for a quick 2-3 minutes, creating a beautiful golden-brown top that’ll make mouths water.

• Rest and Present

Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Your taste buds are in for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired adventure!

Seasoning Combos for a Richer Flavor

• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the yogurt coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior when baked.
• Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor infusion and easier weeknight meal prep.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result or use turkey breast for a lean alternative that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Skip any additional sugary ingredients and ensure the yogurt has no added sugars to keep this recipe completely keto-compliant and diet-friendly.
• Double-check all spice blends and ingredients to confirm they are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Yogurt Chicken With Fresh Veg or Grains

• Mediterranean Platter Paradise: Create a vibrant spread with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and crisp cucumber salad alongside the juicy chicken.
• Zesty Grain Bowl Delight: Serve the chicken sliced over quinoa or brown rice, topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nutritious meal.
• Greek-Inspired Salad Companion: Pair the chicken with a light Greek salad featuring tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing combination.
• Wrap It Up: Stuff the chicken into warm soft pitas or flatbreads with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce, adding fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a quick and delicious lunch option.

Store Leftovers in Airtight Containers

• Seal cooked chicken in airtight containers, keeping fresh for 3-4 days. Enjoy within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe wraps, storing flat in containers. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave at 50% power, checking temperature frequently. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying and maintain juiciness.
• Marinate multiple chicken breasts simultaneously, storing some uncooked in freezer for quick future meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 740 kcal

Servings: 4

Succulent Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek yogurt chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners with tender, juicy results. Creamy marinade and simple ingredients combine for an effortless protein that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml) yogurt (Greek, plain, full-fat or 2%)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Infusion: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into a harmonious marinade.
2. Marination Process: Envelop chicken breasts completely in the yogurt mixture, allowing them to absorb flavors in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
3. Thermal Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375F (190C) and lightly lubricate a baking vessel with cooking spray or oil.
4. Culinary Transformation: Transfer marinated chicken to the prepared dish, discarding excess marinade. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F (75C), ensuring succulent and safe protein.
5. Aesthetic Finishing: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a tempting golden-brown exterior, enhancing visual appeal and textural complexity.
6. Serving Ritual: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, redistributing internal juices. Embellish with fresh parsley and present as a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired entrée.

Notes

• Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture for at least 2 hours to ensure deep flavor penetration and tenderize meat thoroughly.
• Use instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough and bland.
• Pat chicken dry before baking to help achieve a crispy, golden exterior and promote better caramelization of spices.
• Swap chicken breasts with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time and temperature accordingly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg