Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

The enzymatic magic of Greek yogurt creates incredibly tender chicken. Bright lemon and savory garlic infuse flavor. Full instructions and nutrition analysis included. (154 characters)

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, Kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, but no longer than 6 hours. For optimal flavor and tenderness, 4 hours is recommended.
  4. Step 4: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, but do not wipe the marinade completely clean.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • To ensure juicy, non-mushy results, strictly adhere to the recommended 6-hour maximum marinating window, as the yogurt and lemon combination is a powerful tenderizer.
  • Serve slices of the rested chicken over a bed of warm couscous or tucked into pita bread, finished with a generous drizzle of homemade tzatziki sauce.
  • Leftovers should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat any leftover cooked chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of chicken stock or water, covering the pan lightly to prevent the breasts from drying out.
  • Author: Kristin Romick
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American