Name: Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Juicy, flavorful, and delightfully tangy, these Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts are a must-try for any home cook. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken beautifully while infusing it with herbs, garlic, and citrusy brightness. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, the result is consistently moist and delicious.

This simple marinade comes together in minutes and turns everyday chicken into something truly special. It’s perfect for meal prep, weekend grilling, or a quick dinner that feels anything but rushed. Pair it with a crisp salad, warm pita, or your favorite side for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

Stick to plain, unsweetened full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt for best results. The richness helps tenderize the chicken and carries the flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs more effectively than non-fat versions. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties as they can interfere with the savory balance of the marinade.

Ingredients for the Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts 2

How To Make the Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. You can cook it in one of three ways:

Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake on a lined baking sheet for 22-25 minutes.
Pan-Sear: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite Mediterranean sides.

Serving and Storing Your Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Serve your Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken hot off the grill or chilled for a refreshing protein addition to salads. It’s excellent in wraps, grain bowls, or simply alongside roasted vegetables.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, 4 to 6 hours is perfect, but you can marinate it overnight for more intense flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and tend to stay extra juicy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The cooked chicken holds up beautifully and is versatile for different meals throughout the week.

Can I cook it in the air fryer?

Definitely. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Does the yogurt make the chicken taste sour?

Not at all. It adds a subtle tang and helps balance the seasoning and spices.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken, check out some other weeknight-friendly favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy dinner inspiration any night of the week.

Tried it? Let me know how you cooked it—grilled or oven-baked? Did you try adding herbs or swap in chicken thighs? I love hearing your twists and tips. Leave a comment below and help others make it their own.

For more delicious, everyday recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts are tender, juicy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavors. The creamy yogurt marinade works magic to tenderize the meat, while garlic, lemon, and herbs bring bold flavor. A perfect healthy dinner for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess.

4. To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake on a lined baking sheet for 22-25 minutes.

6. To pan-sear: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.

7. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

8. Serve with lemon wedges, herbs, or Mediterranean sides.