Description
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken offers a tender and flavorful dish, infused with Mediterranean-inspired spices and a creamy yogurt marinade. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe yields juicy chicken breasts with a deliciously balanced tangy and smoky profile, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off before discarding it. Place the chicken on the grill or in a baking dish if using the oven. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze the lemon over the chicken for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- If using an oven, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Can be served alongside rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, marinated chicken, grilled chicken breast, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe, yogurt marinade
