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Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

5.2 from 24 reviews

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon. Marinating overnight ensures the chicken is moist and perfectly seasoned, then grilled to a beautiful char for a delicious, healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain, full-fat
  • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed. This helps the marinade stick better and prevents excess moisture while grilling. Set the chicken aside for the next step.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 400°F (204°C). Ensure it’s clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill, smooth side down. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade in the bowl to avoid flare-ups. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain heat.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for at least five minutes. Covering loosely with foil during resting helps retain juices. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken thighs on a grill pan or in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade and better flavor absorption.
  • Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill if preferred, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
  • This recipe pairs well with a simple cucumber salad or warm pita bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken thighs, yogurt marinade, healthy grilled chicken, Greek marinade, summer grilling