Description
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade infuses tender chicken breasts or thighs with a rich, tangy, and flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices. The marinade not only enhances the taste but also helps keep the chicken juicy and moist, making it perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 pieces chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared Greek yogurt marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours. For best flavor and tenderness, let it marinate overnight.
- Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off to prevent flare-ups or uneven cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will yield a juicier result.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
- Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken marinade, yogurt marinated chicken, healthy chicken marinade, grilled chicken recipe, Greek chicken
