If you’re on a quest for the most juicy, flavorful, and consistently tender chicken, this Recipe is about to become your new go-to. The secret? A bright, tangy Greek yogurt marinade that wraps every bite in luscious flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, baking for a weeknight dinner, or pan-frying for a quick lunch, this fuss-free Recipe transforms chicken into something comfortingly delicious—every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Recipe is delightfully simple, using a handful of pantry and fridge staples that come together to create big flavor. Each ingredient is picked for its role in making the marinade creamy, zesty, and impossibly aromatic.

Greek Yogurt: Acts as the base for our marinade, making sure the chicken stays juicy and tender while adding a subtle tang.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to every bit of the chicken.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the meat.
Garlic: Brings pungency and savory depth—don’t skip it!
Paprika: Offers smokiness and a splash of color.
Ground Cumin: For warm, earthy undertones that linger deliciously.
Ground Coriander: Adds a hint of citrus and subtle spice.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all those flavors.
Black Pepper: For a little kick and balance.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and contrasting color.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose your favorite boneless, skinless cuts—they soak up the marinade superbly.

How to Make Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until beautifully smooth and fragrant. If you’re a fan of extra-bright flavors, add the chopped parsley here for a burst of freshness!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Squeeze out the air, seal the bag, or cover your dish, and tuck it into the fridge. Let it rest for at least 2 hours (though if you have the patience, overnight yields the juiciest results).

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

When it’s time to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any extra drip off. This ensures you don’t get excess moisture during cooking while still locking in all that delicious flavor.

Step 4: Grill, Bake, or Pan-Fry

Fire up the grill, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat a skillet over medium. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or pan-fry until golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Each method gives the Recipe its own irresistible touch—so use whatever works best for you!

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Once cooked, let your chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This little pause locks in the juices so every bite is perfectly moist and tender.

How to Serve Recipe

Garnishes

Scatter on extra chopped parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for vibrant color and added flair. A drizzle of good olive oil won’t hurt, either.

Side Dishes

This Recipe pairs beautifully with herby rice, fluffy couscous, or a crisp green salad. Roasted veggies, pita, or even a dollop of tzatziki will round out your meal and soak up those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken thin and tuck it into flatbreads for wraps, pile it atop grain bowls, or serve on wooden boards with colorful sides for a casual Mediterranean-style feast. Let your creativity shine—the charm of this Recipe is how easily it adapts to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken from this Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before storing to preserve the juiciness.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months—just pop it in a freezer bag after marinating. Or, freeze cooked chicken in portion-sized containers for a speedy, protein-packed addition to lunches or salads.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to keep it from drying out. For a quick fix, zap in the microwave with a splash of water and cover to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Recipe?

Absolutely! Thighs turn out exceptionally juicy and flavorful, and they’re highly forgiving if you decide to grill or bake them a little longer.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours?

While even 30 minutes works in a pinch, the magic really happens after 2 hours or more. For maximum tenderness and flavor infusion, go for an overnight marination when you can.

Does this Recipe work for grilling outdoors?

Yes! The marinade helps prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill and produces beautiful charred edges. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or any time you crave that smoky flavor.

Can I make a dairy-free version of this Recipe?

Try swapping the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt. The results are still tangy and tender, and the marinade clings just as well.

Should I rinse off the marinade before cooking?

No need—simply let the excess drip off. The marinade’s clingy coating is what gives the chicken its signature juiciness and tang, so you want to keep most of it on during cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Recipe—it’s truly one of those dependable, delicious meals you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised when it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen!

chicken Marinade

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (includes marination)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This simple, tangy marinade creates juicy, flavorful, and tender chicken perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. The Greek yogurt base adds a rich creaminess to the dish.

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add Parsley: Mix in chopped parsley for freshness if desired.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken in a bag or dish, pour marinade over it, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, cook on grill, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 475mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg