Description
Creamy Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast is a healthy Greek yogurt chicken recipe that delivers tender, juicy flavor using a simple yogurt marinade with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and warm Mediterranean spices. Perfect for grilling, baking, or skillet cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. In a bowl combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere properly.
3. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
4. Place chicken into a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the yogurt marinade over the top.
5. Massage the marinade into the chicken so each piece is evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
7. Preheat your preferred cooking method: oven to 400°F, skillet over medium heat with olive oil, or grill to medium-high heat.
8. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
9. Cook in skillet for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
10. For oven cooking, bake on a lined baking sheet for 18–22 minutes.
11. For grilling, cook about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
12. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor add smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade.
- You can cook this chicken in a skillet, oven, grill, or air fryer.
- Air fryer method: cook at 375°F for 14–16 minutes flipping halfway through.
- Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for meal prep.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill / Skillet / Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg