Yogurt Marinated Chicken | Juicy & Healthy Dinner

Yogurt marinated chicken is one of the most flavorful and tender dishes you can prepare at home. I still remember the first time I tried making chicken with a Greek yogurt marinade, the aroma of garlic and lemon filled the kitchen and the flavor was unforgettable. The creamy yogurt tenderized the meat beautifully and the smoky spices turned an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. This recipe is ideal if you are searching for healthy lunch recipes with chicken, simple summer supper ideas chicken fans will love, or even whole foods chicken recipes that fit into a balanced lifestyle. The best part is that it is quick, family friendly, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of year.

Callie Brooks

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

This yogurt marinated chicken is juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. A healthy and easy-to-make dish perfect for lunches, dinners, or meal prep. The creamy Greek yogurt tenderizes the meat while spices like cumin, paprika, and lemon juice infuse every bite with Mediterranean flair.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
• lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• skillet or grill pan
• tongs
• measuring spoons
• knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken.
4. Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes per side for small pieces, or 6–8 minutes per side for whole breasts, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 420mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use full-fat yogurt for the creamiest texture. This dish pairs well with salads, wraps, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Make it spicy with more cayenne or swap spices to create your own twist.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why You Will Love This Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Perfect for healthy lunch recipes with chicken or easy meal prep
  
• Works for summer supper ideas chicken lovers appreciate
  
• Juicy and tender meat from yogurt’s natural marination power
  
• Easy to customize into DIY chicken marinade variations
  
• Great addition to your fast meat recipes collection
  

Ingredients for Yogurt Marinated Chicken

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken

1. Mix the marinade by whisking yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This is one of the simplest chicken marination recipes.
   
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best DIY chicken marinade flavor let it rest overnight.
   
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess before cooking.
   
4. Cook the chicken 4 to 6 minutes per side for small pieces or 6 to 8 minutes per side for whole breasts until golden brown and cooked through.
   
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
   

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Serve over salads or bowls for healthy lunch recipes with chicken
  
• Slice into wraps or pitas for a Greek chicken yogurt flavor combination
  
• Pair with seasonal roasted vegetables for whole foods chicken recipes
  
• Feature in easy dinners videos to share quick meal inspiration
  
• Add grilled zucchini, corn, or potatoes for summer supper ideas chicken families enjoy
  

How to Perfect Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Always pat chicken dry before adding to the marinade so flavors absorb deeply
  
• Full fat yogurt provides the best creamy texture and tender results
  
• Let the chicken marinate at least two hours for rich flavor in fast meat recipes
  
• Cook on medium high heat for caramelized edges and smoky aroma
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking on low heat prevents golden crust and makes chicken bland
  
• Overcrowding the skillet causes steaming instead of searing
  
• Rushing the marinade time reduces flavor depth
  
• Leaving thick layers of marinade on chicken may cause burning
  

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Tip: Yogurt marinated chicken is one of the best whole foods chicken recipes for meal prep since it reheats well without losing tenderness.

Conclusion

Yogurt marinated chicken is juicy, flavorful, and versatile enough for any table. It is a top choice for healthy lunch recipes with chicken, a go to for summer supper ideas chicken lovers crave, and one of the easiest whole foods chicken recipes for family meals. Save this recipe now and add it to your DIY chicken marinade collection. Share it with friends who love fast meat recipes and easy dinners videos for everyday cooking inspiration.