Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken- This easy Greek yogurt marinade is the best way to add bold mediterranean flavor to any day of the week! All you need are a few simple ingredients, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and a hot grill to create this extra flavorful chicken recipe.
This is a great recipe for meal prep. The grilled chicken can be added to a big salad or reheated in rice bowls or even burritos!
Yogurt marinating is a great way to add lots of flavor to boneless chicken thighs. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps to create juicy and tender grilled chicken. By gently denaturing the meat's protein, it helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking. Combine that with the bold flavor of garlic and warm spices, and this easy recipe is a must try chicken dinner for any time!
For more delicious chicken recipes try our Grilled White Balsamic Chicken or our Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
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What You're Going to Need!
- Chicken - We love using boneless skinless chicken thighs for grilling. However, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you choose.
- Yogurt - Full-fat Greek yogurt (plain yogurt) works best for this yogurt marinade recipe. The higher fat content adds to the flavor of this easy recipe.
- Lemon - Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest adds so much fresh flavor to this easy recipe.
- Onion salt - We love Trader Joe's onion salt, but any brand will work here.
- Garlic - Granulated garlic is a great choice for adding bold flavor without burning the garlic on the hot grill.
- Paprika - Smoked paprika specifically is a great way to add lots of smoky depth to any recipe!
- Salt - Kosher or sea salt are our favorites.
- Black pepper - Freshly ground is always best.
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe
Greek Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Juice and zest the large lemon and add to a large bowl.
- Measure the spices and seasonings and add them to the same large bowl. Add the plain full-fat Greek yogurt and stir to combine the marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and stir to coat the chicken with the marinade. At this point you could place the marinated chicken into a resealable plastic bag, or an airtight container, or simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours to marinade. For the best results marinade for at least 3 hours.
- Pre-heat your grill to 400℉ and clean the grill grates with a wire brush. spray the grill grates with pan release cooking spray.
- When the grill is hot and ready remove the excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the hot grill.
- Cook the chicken on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to Make Juicy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs!
- Combine all spices, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice and yogurt in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients until evenly combined.
3. When all the ingredients are evenly combined, you are ready to coat the chicken pieces.
4. Coat the chicken with the yogurt marinade and place into a resealable plastic bag, an airtight container, or simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours to marinate.
Chef Tip
Making sure your grill is hot, clean, and oiled is the recipe for success when grilling any meat, especially chicken that's marinated in a creamy yogurt marinade. When you're ready to grill the chicken thighs, remove the excess marinade and place the chicken pieces onto a clean well-oiled hot grill for the best results. Cook the chicken on both sides until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165F degrees.
Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving for the best results.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken - We recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe however, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Dairy-free option - Greek plain yogurt can be substituted for the dairy-free variety.
- Vegetarian - Try this delicious marinade on vegetables before grilling for a veggie option.
- Grill - If you don't have a grill try using a hot grill pan!
Storage & Helpful Hints
The mixed yogurt marinade can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chicken once it's grilled and cooked through will store very well in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 3hours before grilling for the best flavor. This marinade is a single time use recipe. Discard any marinade after using it once.
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FAQ
For the best results you should marinate for at least 3 hours and overnight if you can. Be careful not to over marinate the chicken anything over 10 hours could start to change the texture of the meat.
sallylive2025 says
Nice flavors, stayed moist; had to bake @ 350 for about 20 minutes since it was too cold and windy to grill outside; guests ate it up! thanks for helping me change it up to a new chix recipe
Chris says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jason Miller says
Of course Sally! We both love it that you love it also!!!