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!
Thank you for swinging by Hungry Happens! If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the dish! LOVE YOUR LIFE!
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.
Can you use tzasiki instead of Greek yoghurt for the marinade
This is the best chicken I have ever had. And it’s so easy.
“the last two pieces of chicken”? I don’t understand. After chicken marinates, Do you put the yogurt marinade that hasn’t soaked into chicken into the bottom of baking dish, then put all the chicken on top to bake?
This recipe was outstanding!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal!
Bravo!!
Please check instructions. “Take the leftover marinade and add it to the bottom of the pan. Top with the last two pieces of chicken” makes no sense with the rest of the instructions.
This is the most quick and delicious and tender chicken I’ve ever had !!!! I let it marinade for 1 hour. followed the recipe, as instructed , I put extra spices and feta on top at the end of baking , omg so delicious !!!!! I’m so impressed Thanks for sharing!♡
this was, hands down, THE BEST chicken I have ever had! my whole family raved about it for days!!!! this will be on rotation. REALLY, REALLY GOOD!!! THANK YOU!
Hi Kathy, Yay! Im so happy it was such a hit with everyone! Thank you for the glowing review!!
So delicious! This was a win with every picky eater at my house. This was the 3rd chicken recipe I have tried from you that everyone enjoyed with zero complaints! I will continue to go through your recipes because every one looks delicious!
HI Julie, that makes me so happy that everyone likes the dishes! Thanks so much for giving them a try!
excellent recipe and so delicious 😋
Hi Paul, Thank you for trying out the recipe and taking the time to rate it!! Cheers!
I tried this with chicken breast and it was really moist and delicious! Can I get clarification on the nutritional value? Is that the value for 6 servings?
Soooooo good! Doubled the batch to have some throughout the week and so glad I did. My family of 5 approves, thank you for sharing!
Hi Erika, I’m glad that you and your family enjoyed the recipe and thank you for the glowing feedback!
Hi there!
I’m trying this recipe tonight and really excited about it. How do I understand this?
“Top with the last two pieces of chicken.
This chicken was some of the best I’ve ever made!!! I added about a teaspoon of dill and a few shakes of chili flakes to it as well. I served it with rice pilaf and airfried mixed veggies
I bought a jar of cloves I took 5 chunks and put in it . it’s in refrigerator now should I have chopped them up I never used them before
As a Senior who lives alone, I just want to try this wonderful-sounding dish. I won’t post until after I try this…
Wish me luck!!
Early on, I tried the Breakfast cookies; the first 1/2 recipe looked more like biscuits than cookies, lol! The second batch was much thinner and better!!
(Guess I must post….)
Made this for a high protein dinner and they came out unbelievable! The chicken came out so juicy and tender. Will definitely be making this again!!
Hello! I’m so happy the dish was to your liking! And thank you very much for your rating!