Description
This Greek Chicken Marinade features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs soaked in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic spices. The yogurt keeps the chicken moist and juicy while adding a tangy depth, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping high-protein meals that never dry out.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large 9×13-inch baking dish to hold the marinade and chicken comfortably.
- Make the marinade: In the baking dish, add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pressed garlic cloves, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley on top of the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to evenly coat all the chicken pieces. You can also do this step in a large ziplock bag or a bowl if preferred. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring pieces are not overlapping.
- Marinate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Ideally, marinate for several hours up to 12 hours for maximum flavor absorption, though even 5 minutes helps.
- Preheat oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake the chicken: Remove plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for crispiness: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil and broil the chicken for about 3 minutes to crisp up the edges nicely.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps lock in the juices and flavors. Note that some liquid from the yogurt and chicken may collect at the bottom of the dish, which is normal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken at least 5 minutes, but up to 12 hours for best flavor.
- Ensure chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
- Can be paired with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
