Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is tender, flavorful, and perfect for grilling. The creamy yogurt combined with fresh herbs and spices creates a deliciously juicy chicken dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

The image shows a white bowl filled with cooked chicken pieces layered loosely on top of each other, their outer surface golden brown with visible seasoning and herbs adding specks of green and red on the chicken skin. The chicken looks juicy and tender, with one piece being held by a silver fork in the foreground, showing a white cooked inside with a slightly moist texture. Small green herb leaves are scattered lightly over the chicken for garnish. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright setting to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain, full-fat
  • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Add the chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Discard any leftover marinade from the bowl. Grill the chicken on direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep the grill lid closed between flipping.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for at least five minutes before serving. Cover loosely with foil if possible to retain juiciness.

Tips & Variations

  • For a stovetop version, cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
  • Try swapping fresh dill with fresh mint or parsley for a different herb flavor.
  • Use boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce grilling time to avoid drying out the meat.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it moist. The marinade can be prepared ahead, but chicken should only be marinated for up to 24 hours for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl full of cooked chicken pieces, mainly cut into medium slices with a golden brown and slightly crispy texture on the outside and a white tender inside. The chicken is seasoned with green herbs and light red spices, scattered across the surface. The pieces overlap, creating a layered effect with some small fresh green herb leaves for garnish. A fork is holding one slice of chicken up near the center right of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat?

Yes, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt, but full-fat yogurt will provide a richer flavor and more tender texture.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 24 hours to maintain the best texture and avoid the yogurt breaking down the meat too much.

Print

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken features tender, flavorful boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is a healthy and delicious main course ideal for any meal or BBQ.

  • Author: lea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including marination time)
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Healthy

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the boneless skinless chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring better marinade adhesion and grilling results. Set aside.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to create a smooth marinade.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best flavor, overnight.
  4. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for cooking the marinated chicken thighs over direct heat.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill over direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping once halfway through cooking to ensure even char and doneness. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain heat.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain juices before serving.

Notes

  • For different cooking methods, check the blog post on cooking this recipe on stovetop or air fryer.
  • Perfect for a healthy main dish suitable for family meals or BBQ gatherings.
  • To maximize flavor, marinate overnight if possible.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best creaminess and flavor.
  • Allow chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken thighs, marinated chicken, healthy chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, Mediterranean chicken

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