Name: Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets (I used 8), You can opt for other cuts of chicken such as thighs or breasts. Please note cooking times will vary.; 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 1 lemon, juiced, about 1/4 cup; 1 tsp lemon zest; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped fine; 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp coriander; 1/4 tsp cumin

Prepare yourself for a flavor revelation: Yogurt Marinated Chicken takes classic chicken to dazzling new heights. Imagine golden, juicy pieces infused with garlicky yogurt, fresh herbs, and a whisper of lemon. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-quality yet is refreshingly simple to whip up at home. Every bite is irresistibly tender, thanks to the yogurt marinade’s magic, and bursting with bold Mediterranean-inspired spices. If you love big flavor and guaranteed succulent results, keep reading—you’re about to meet your new weeknight go-to.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Yogurt Marinated Chicken such a total knockout? The ingredients! Each one is easy to find and plays a vital part in the irresistible marinade—adding punchy flavor, juicy texture, or dazzling color to the final dish. Let’s break down why you’ll love every single component:

Chicken cutlets (1½–2 lbs): Thin-sliced cutlets soak up all that tangy marinade and cook up super fast; thighs or breasts work too, just adjust cook time.
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt (½ cup): The creamy star—yogurt tenderizes the chicken and keeps it unbelievably juicy.
Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps the flavors cling to the chicken.
Honey (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness balances all the savory and citrus notes.
Lemon juice (1 lemon, about ¼ cup): Brings brightness and punch; don’t skip the zest for even more flavor.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): Zest is tiny but mighty, adding a refreshing perfume to the marinade.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Five cloves seem like a lot? Trust me, this is where the marinade gets its crave-worthy depth.
Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a pop of herbal freshness and a touch of color.
Salt (½ tsp or more to taste): Essential for amplifying all the flavors as they mingle overnight.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle warmth—freshly ground is best if you have it!
Paprika (½ tsp): For color and a hint of earthy sweetness.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Boosts the savory undertones without any overpowering onion flavor.
Dried oregano (½ tsp): Classic Mediterranean flair in every bite.
Dried basil (½ tsp): Rounds out the herbal notes and brings a summery taste.
Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): Optional but recommended if you love a subtle kick.
Coriander (¼ tsp): A soft, citrusy undertone you’ll adore.
Cumin (¼ tsp): Adds warm depth that plays beautifully with the yogurt and lemon.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and all the beautiful herbs and spices. Make sure everything is well blended—you want each bite of chicken to soak in a rainbow of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl, using tongs or clean hands to turn until every piece is generously coated in marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you’re planning ahead, marinating up to 24 hours is even better for maximum tenderness.

Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature

When you’re ready to cook, let the chicken sit on your counter for about 20 minutes. This gentle warm-up helps it cook evenly and stay juicy—a small step that makes a big difference for your Yogurt Marinated Chicken.

Step 4: Cook Your Chicken (Three Ways!)

For pan frying: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes, resisting the urge to flip too soon (this prevents sticking). The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest, tented under foil, for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute (and the temperature will climb to 165°F).

For air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spritz the basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, and cook for another 7 minutes or until the chicken hits 165°F in the center.

For baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, depending on cut size, until it’s golden and the thickest part reads 165°F on your thermometer.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Before serving, let your Yogurt Marinated Chicken rest for a few minutes. Then slice, sprinkle with a little flaky salt, and prepare for the flavor parade. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Yogurt Marinated Chicken with a flourish! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, a touch of lemon zest, or a dusting of sumac for an extra Mediterranean pop. A swipe of creamy tzatziki or a handful of pomegranate seeds also elevates both the look and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken is endlessly versatile. Serve it with a simple cucumber-tomato salad, fluffy basmati rice, or warm pita for a cozy meal. Roasted vegetables, herbed couscous, or tangy pickled onions will also steal the show alongside your Yogurt Marinated Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking slices of Yogurt Marinated Chicken into wraps with fresh greens, bold sauces, and crunchy veggies. It’s also a knockout layered over grain bowls, paired with grilled peaches in summer, or sliced on top of a vibrant green salad. Leftovers even make for dreamy sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store cooled Yogurt Marinated Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Those flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooked and cooled chicken in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Layer pieces with parchment to keep them from sticking together, and be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep your Yogurt Marinated Chicken juicy when reheating, warm it gently. Cover and microwave in short bursts, or reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed through. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use non-Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt creates the creamiest, richest marinade, but regular plain yogurt works just as well. Low-fat varieties will still tenderize the chicken beautifully, but you may miss out on a touch of richness.

Does the yogurt flavor come through strongly?

Not at all—the yogurt acts mostly as a tenderizer. The final dish tastes bright, tangy, and vibrantly spiced, but you won’t notice a strong yogurt flavor. Even non-yogurt fans end up loving Yogurt Marinated Chicken for this very reason!

How long can I marinate the chicken?

While an hour gives you good flavor, marinating overnight (up to 24 hours) leads to the juiciest and most deeply flavored Yogurt Marinated Chicken. Just don’t push it past 24 hours, as the chicken may start to get mushy.

Is this recipe spicy?

Yogurt Marinated Chicken has a mild warmth from cayenne pepper, but it’s not fiery. If you love heat, simply add a bit more cayenne or swap in chipotle powder as suggested in the variations.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan frying or baking?

Definitely! Grilling gives incredible char and smoky depth. Preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates well, and cook your yogurt marinated chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and beautifully golden.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a juicy, flavor-packed meal that never fails to impress, Yogurt Marinated Chicken should go straight to the top of your dinner plans. It’s easy, endlessly versatile, and quite simply delicious. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe