Tender Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
A juicy and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a tangy Greek yogurt mixture with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for easy, healthy BBQ dinners and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using until smooth and aromatic.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over. Massage marinade into chicken to coat evenly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours. If short on time, 30 minutes will still add flavor.
- Preheat grill: Clean and oil grill grates. Preheat to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C).
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place thighs on grill and cook 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks form.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Marinate longer for more tenderness; use chicken thighs for juicier results; avoid pressing chicken while grilling to keep juices; oil grill grates to prevent sticking; resting chicken after grilling locks in juices. Can bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if no grill is available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (app
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken, healthy BBQ, marinated chicken, easy dinner, summer grilling, tender chicken, yogurt marinade