Lemon Garlic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This recipe is too easy and too delectable not to give a go and, subsequently, keep on your weekly food playlist, trust me, you will save this goodie. The ingredient list is small and the method is one a toddler could manage to throw together. The beauty of this dish is that it is totally versatile – you can use chicken that’s bone in and skin on or chicken breasts. You can also prepare it on the grill or on your stove top in a non stick pan – just add a little olive oil to the pan/grates to prevent sticking. If you love this recipe, you will love my Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes.
Why marinate with yogurt?
Greek yogurt contains lactic acid and calcium, both of which tenderize the chicken meat. Lactic acid is more gentle than traditional citrus juice based marinades and does not break down the meat quite as fast making Greek yogurt marinade almost fool proof. You can marinate for 30 minutes and still have amazing results. I left mine in the fridge for 2 hours and was extremely happy with the outcome. Greek yogurt is similar to when we use buttermilk to soak our chicken drumsticks. Makes them SO juicy.
I highly recommend serving this delicious entree with some Tsatziki sauce, on top of some rice or with a Greek Horiatiki Salad or a Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad).
Also, if you enjoy this meal, you will definitely LOVE my One Pan Roasted Greek Chicken ‘Salad’ – it is one of the most popular recipes on our website!
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Lemon Garlic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- black pepper to taste
Optional Dip/Topping:
- tzatziki
- fresh parsley
- chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and spices. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat everything well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour (I recommend 1-2 hours).
- Take your meat out 30 minutes prior to putting it in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the chicken to a 9×13" baking dish. Take the leftover marinade and add it to the bottom of the pan. Top with the last two pieces of chicken. Bake for about 50 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F. Let it rest out of the oven for 5 minutes and then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Making it again!!!! Actually I make I every two weeks (enough for 3 dinners). Hubs and I are on keto and this works perfectly. Today serving on wilted spinach. 😋
This recipe is easy & delicious! I will definitely make again. *I marinated 24 hours (& only because I wanted to cook within half hour of getting home from work the next day).
I served it with roasted zucchini, squash & onions. Will have leftovers with rice & feta on the side.
Hi Ana, That sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing the feedback with us and I’m glad you enjoyed the dish!
I made this chicken this morning – very early – it was going to be in the 90s today and i didn’t want to use my oven. I marinated for 2 hrs. then cooked it while I took a shower. Took out of the oven; then went and did some errands. When I got back – OMG – it smelled amazing in here! I only did two thighs. But I have alot more, so when it cooks down I am DEFINETLY making this again and keeping this a go-to. Kudos.
Hi Michelle, I thank you for trying the recipe and I’m glad you left your feedback! This is definitely a staple recipe for us too!
This was easy and delish, this is my 2nd time making it and it’s a keeper. Thank you for sharing 💜
Can I marinate longer than 2 hours
Never I read ahead and saw!
Can I marinate longer than 2 hours
Great dish and super easy. I’ve tried both BBQ and oven. Thanks for sharing! I found you on Instagram and now you’re my go-to for family meals.
Hi Lily,
Welcome! and thank you for trying out the dish and leaving such kind feedback!
Tasty and easy. Love a yogurt marinade! The separation of the marinade during cooking makes me think that grilling might be a better bet next time. Would likely get a better color, too, as my boneless/skinless were too submerged to brown.
Hi Rachel, So sorry for the late reply but I am in Greece. Yes, grilling them is a fantastic idea… I will posting that recipe soon! But if you do decide to bake, just broil at the end to get that beautiful color.
Tried it tonight – it smelled HEAVENLY while cooking. Only problem was how the marinade separated in the oven – the yogurt ended up looking like cottage cheese, not all that appetizing. My chicken thighs didn’t brown as much as I would have liked, I think grilling is the way to go also. Made brown & wild rice to go with it and salad with feta & Greek dressing and I’m happy!
I made this chicken for supper tonight. I used boneless, skinless breast. They were juicy and delicious! I want to make this for a shower September. Do you think I can make it and keep in warm in a crock pot until time to serve?
Thank you!
Hi Susan,
That sounds liked it should work. I don’t have much experience with Crockpots myself but as long as you keep the cooked meat between 200 F and 250 F you should be good to go.
I put this in the refrigerator yesterday fully intending on cooking it, but we had an unexpected incident and I didn’t get to it. Now, it’s the next day. Can I still cook it?
Hi Kim. It’s Stella. Yes you can still cook it no problem!
Thank you so much! I’m excited to try this! I absolutely hate cooking, but your recipes are inspiring and show me that you can use simple recipes to make delicious meals.
Can I bake thus and then freeze? If so what do I do to serve?
Made it today i used more paprika !! It hd a nice taste ! I added all the ingredients as instructed ! But found it was too oily? Made it with rice next time i will make it with half of what is written !!! You need to turn it round half way ! It took much longer to cook .thats not a problem though .
Hi Anna, Thank you for trying the recipe and all your feedback! I appreciate you taking the time to give us your tips!
Hi stella !!! Your welcome its a pleasure !!!!
I just made the marinade and it tastes extremely salty…hope it turns out ok…
Mine is in oven i must sayit smells really nice
Im going to try it today .
The chicken didn’t turn out how i wanted to you need to explain that you have to wipe the yogurt off. I cooked my chicken at the recommended temp and it won’t crisp up at all.
Made this tonight and the flavour is great, husband loved it. Just have to play with the cooking time, as I used chicken halves instead of bone in thighs. Great, easy recipe!
Hi Gina, That’s amazing!Glad it was enjoyed!
Yes it had a lovely taste and smell ! It took much longer to cook turned it round !! The oil was fsr too much though next time half of the quantity !!! Dish was very greasy my family commented. Will try again with more spice less oil .