Name: Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any fat percentage); Juice of ½ a lemon; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 3 cloves garlic, pressed; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you love juicy, flavorful chicken dishes that are both simple and packed with personality, then you’re going to adore this Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe. This marinade is an absolute game-changer, making boneless, skinless chicken thighs melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing them with a vibrant mix of herbs and spices. The creamy Greek yogurt not only adds tang and richness but also keeps the chicken incredibly moist—no more dry bites here! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for friends, this marinade brings a fresh, wholesome taste of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw chicken thighs neatly placed in a clear plastic tray at the bottom center. Above them, there is a white bowl filled with thick white yogurt on the right side. To the left, there are three small white bowls with different ingredients: chopped green herbs, finely chopped garlic or onion, and a mix of spices including red, white, and brown powders. Next to these bowls, there is half a lemon showing its yellow inside, and a small clear glass jug of golden olive oil. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to creating that authentic Greek flavor and perfect marinade texture you’ll crave. Each component plays its part in balancing zest, aroma, and succulence for your chicken.

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: These are ideal for marinades because they stay juicy and tender after cooking.
½ cup plain Greek yogurt: The star of the marinade that tenderizes while bringing creaminess and a subtle tang.
Juice of ½ a lemon: Adds bright acidity to cut through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and carries the seasonings evenly.
1.5 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the ingredients and seasons the chicken perfectly.
3 cloves garlic, pressed: Provides a robust aroma and depth of flavor essential to Greek cooking.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the savory profile.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy warmth that gives the chicken a Mediterranean twist.
1 teaspoon paprika: Sweet smokiness that lightly colors the marinade.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Delivers a gentle onion flavor without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings just the right hint of spicy kick.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: A fresh herbal note to brighten every bite.

How to Make Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Marinade Ingredients

In a large baking dish, add the chicken thighs and pour in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pressed garlic, black pepper, cumin, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. This is where the magic begins—each ingredient blends together beautifully to create that signature marinade that not only flavors the chicken but also gently tenderizes it.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything until every piece of chicken is fully coated in that luscious marinade. You want it to cling well, making sure the spices settle evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite. You can also do this step in a large ziploc bag or bowl if you prefer, just be sure the chicken isn’t overlapping when placed back into the dish.

Step 3: Marinate in the Fridge

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. The longer you let the chicken soak in this marinade, the better the flavors develop—ideally up to 12 hours. But hey, if you’re short on time, even five minutes will make a noticeable difference!

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Cook

When it’s time to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F. Remove the plastic wrap and slide the dish into the oven. Roast the chicken for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This high heat locks in juices and cooks the thighs perfectly.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Edges

Switch your oven to broil and let the chicken crisp up for about three minutes. This step adds an irresistible charred edge that complements the creamy marinade perfectly. Once done, let the chicken rest for five minutes outside the oven—this pause helps all those wonderful juices redistribute so every bite is bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe

A white bowl holds a dish with four main layers: at the bottom, there is a bed of small, light yellow couscous grains filling one side of the bowl; next to it, there's a colorful mix of chopped red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and small bits of purple onions, giving a fresh and vibrant look; on top of the vegetables, several slices of browned, seasoned cooked chicken are layered, showing a lightly crispy texture; lastly, a dollop of white creamy sauce with herbs sits near the chicken, adding a smooth contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your dish pop visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or a few thin slices of lemon right before serving. A drizzle of olive oil or a few crumbles of feta cheese also works wonders, adding richness and a final Greek touch that will wow anyone at your table.

Side Dishes

This Greek Chicken pairs incredibly well with a variety of sides. Think fluffy couscous or warm pita bread to soak up the marinade’s juices, a crisp Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for freshness, or roasted vegetables that complement the smoky spices. The balance of vibrant fresh sides with the creamy, spiced chicken is absolutely divine.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to switch things up? Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of herbed rice or tucked into warm flatbreads alongside tzatziki sauce for a casual gyro-style meal. You can even use shredded leftover chicken to top salads or make wraps, extending your Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe into multiple delicious meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it juicy and ready to enjoy cold in salads or quickly reheated for a quick dinner fix.

Freezing

If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Freeze it promptly after cooking and cool it down to preserve the flavors and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F to prevent drying out or warm in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch but use lower power and shorter bursts to keep that tender goodness intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to dry out more easily. Marinating with the Greek yogurt helps with moisture, but be sure to watch your cooking time closely and avoid overcooking.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt? Can I substitute it?

Greek yogurt is best because of its thickness and tang, which tenderizes the chicken nicely. You could try regular yogurt, but it’s thinner and might not coat as well. Avoid flavored yogurts as they can alter the savory balance.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, marinade time is between 1 to 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes. That said, even a brief 5-minute soak will improve the taste.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char to complement the marinade. Just be sure to oil the grill grates and cook over medium heat to prevent sticking or drying out.

Is this marinade suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! It’s a perfect meal prep option because the chicken stays moist and flavorful even after reheating. Cook a batch, store in containers, and you’ve got a protein-packed meal ready to go all week.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy, tasty, and versatile. You get all the bright, herby, and creamy flavors without any fuss, making chicken night something to look forward to. Give it a try—it just might become your go-to for delicious, home-cooked Greek-inspired meals!