Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a simple, reliable, and flavor-packed way to turn basic chicken breasts into something extraordinary. That’s exactly what this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts recipe is. It’s juicy, tender, and loaded with bright Mediterranean flavors. The yogurt-based marinade not only seasons the meat but tenderizes it beautifully, creating the kind of chicken that’s hard to mess up—and easy to crave.

I first made this recipe on a whim when I had some leftover Greek yogurt and a bag of lemons sitting around. With a handful of herbs and spices, it quickly became one of those staple dishes I turn to when I want dinner to be healthy, satisfying, and uncomplicated. It’s perfect whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a casual dinner with friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts Recipe

The marinade does all the heavy lifting here. Greek yogurt keeps the chicken moist, while lemon, garlic, and herbs infuse it with incredible depth of flavor. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear it, the result is always delicious. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein—checking all the right boxes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with countless sides.

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What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

I recommend using full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. It clings to the chicken well, ensuring a well-coated marinade that doesn’t dry out during cooking. If you’re watching calories, 2% works too, but avoid non-fat—it’s often too watery and lacks the same richness.

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Options for Substitutions

• Yogurt Substitute: Try plain kefir or sour cream if you don’t have Greek yogurt.
• Protein Swap: This marinade also works beautifully on chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even pork chops.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley or oregano? Dried versions work fine—just reduce the quantity by half.
• Citrus: If lemons are out of reach, use limes or a splash of vinegar for that necessary acidity.
• Garlic Alternative: Garlic powder will do in a pinch, though fresh garlic brings out the best flavor.

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Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the lean, protein-packed foundation of this recipe.
• Greek Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer and flavor booster, keeping the chicken incredibly juicy.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds a sharp, savory depth that balances beautifully with the creamy yogurt.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity, enhancing all the marinade components.
• Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and contributes to a golden, flavorful crust when cooked.
• Dried Oregano: Offers a signature Mediterranean herbal note that’s warm and earthy.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color to both the marinade and finished dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Lemon Slices (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and an extra burst of citrus when serving.

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Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be creamy, tangy, and aromatic. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the yogurt to break down the proteins and deeply flavor the meat.

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Step 3: Preheat the Oven or Grill

When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking.

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Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• Oven Method: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Grill Method: Grill the chicken over direct heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked.
  You should see golden edges and slight charring for extra flavor.

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Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

Marinating is where the magic happens, and it’s worth every minute. Ideally, you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion, I highly recommend overnight marination (8–12 hours). This slow soak in yogurt and lemon ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

When it comes time to cook, the actual hands-on time is minimal. Prepping the marinade takes about 10 minutes, and the chicken needs around 25–30 minutes in the oven or 12–15 minutes on the grill. Add a few more minutes to rest the meat, and dinner is served in under an hour after marination.

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Tips for Perfect Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts

• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, most luxurious marinade.
• Score thick chicken breasts lightly with a knife to let the marinade penetrate better.
• Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking so it cooks evenly.
• Don’t wipe off the marinade—a light layer helps create a golden crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F (74°C) is your target.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marinating time: Rushing this step leads to bland, dry chicken.
• Using non-fat yogurt: It lacks richness and can be too watery.
• Overcrowding the pan: It can steam the chicken instead of roasting or searing.
• Cooking straight from the fridge: Cold chicken can cook unevenly and dry out.
• Overcooking: Yogurt tenderizes, but it won’t save overdone chicken.

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What to Serve With Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts?

1. Herbed Couscous

A fluffy bed of couscous tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and parsley complements the chicken beautifully.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Think bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions—roasted until caramelized for a sweet and savory contrast.

3. Garlic Lemon Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are the perfect starchy side.

4. Tzatziki Sauce

Cool, creamy, and herby, it’s a natural pairing with the Mediterranean flavors in the chicken.

5. Greek Salad

A crisp combo of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta offers a refreshing balance.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Once cooked and cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great for meal prep or slicing into salads and wraps.

Freezer: You can freeze both raw marinated chicken (before cooking) and cooked chicken. Raw marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, and reheated gently to maintain juiciness.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings from 2 large chicken breasts):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully with this marinade. Just adjust cooking time as they may take a bit longer.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 2 hours is fine, but overnight marination gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Cook at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your yogurt and seasonings are certified gluten-free, this dish is completely gluten-free.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon per clove of fresh garlic.

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Conclusion

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts recipe is one of those foolproof meals that checks all the right boxes: healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether baked, grilled, or even air-fried, the marinade guarantees juicy, tender chicken every single time. It’s the kind of dish that impresses without stress—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Pair it with your favorite Mediterranean sides and you’ve got a complete, wholesome meal that’ll earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation.

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