Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken in 6 Easy Steps

Q: Can I freeze Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken?

Freeze before grilling if you want to prep ahead. Just let it thaw in the fridge before cooking. I don’t recommend freezing it after grilling—it can dry out.

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering what in the world to do with that pack of chicken thighs you bought on sale—again—I’ve got just the thing: Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken. It’s tender, tangy, herby, and impossibly juicy thanks to the magic of good ol’ Greek yogurt. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver and a backyard BBQ superstar, all rolled into one.

Trust me, once you try this, dry chicken will become a distant memory.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Let’s be real—nobody’s got time for dry, bland chicken. And if your kids or partner are already giving side-eye to yet another chicken dinner, this recipe is here to turn the tables. The full-fat Greek yogurt locks in moisture like a dream (seriously, it’s like chicken’s personal body lotion), while the garlic, lemon, dill, and oregano bring that fresh Mediterranean flavor straight to your plate.

This dish is:

Quick to prep (just mix, marinate, and grill!)
Packed with flavor
Great for meal prep or family dinners
High in protein and lower in carbs (hello, balance!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this chicken so unforgettable:

8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs – More flavorful and juicy than breasts, and perfect for grilling.
1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt – The creamy base that tenderizes the meat.
3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill – Bright and herby.
1 shallot, minced – Adds a mild, savory bite.
3 tablespoons garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 lemon, juiced and zested – Adds zing and vibrancy.
1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper – For balance.
1 teaspoon paprika – A hint of warmth and color.
1 tablespoon dried oregano – Classic Greek flavor in every bite.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Step 1: Dry that chicken.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better and gives you a nice char on the grill.

Step 2: Make the marinade.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, dill, shallot, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. It’ll smell amazing already!

Step 3: Marinate like a pro.

Toss in the chicken thighs and coat them really well. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight if you want max flavor. (Perfect for prepping in the morning and grilling in the evening.)

Step 4: Fire up the grill.

Preheat your grill to 400°F. You want it hot enough to get that delicious golden sear.

Step 5: Grill to perfection.

Place the chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Toss any leftover marinade—don’t use it again. Grill for 8–10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Keep the lid closed between flips to trap in that heat and smoky goodness.

Step 6: Rest and serve.

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. It helps the juices redistribute—aka stay juicy and not run all over your plate.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the rest! Letting the chicken sit after grilling is like letting it catch its breath before being the star of your dinner plate.
No grill? No problem! You can bake these at 425°F for 25–30 minutes or pan-sear them on the stove.
Make it a meal: Serve with a cucumber-tomato salad, warm pita, or even over lemon rice for a full Greek-inspired dinner.
Need it dairy-free? Try coconut yogurt instead, though you’ll get a slightly sweeter vibe.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken became a regular on my summer grill menu after a spur-of-the-moment dinner with friends. I had chicken. I had yogurt. I had dill that was starting to look like it needed a second chance at life. One quick mix-and-grill later, and everyone was raving like I’d spent hours in the kitchen. (Spoiler alert: I hadn’t.) Since then, it’s been a hit at every family cookout and even my picky eater niece gave it two greasy thumbs up!

FAQs About Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just adjust the grill time since breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F is the goal).

How long can I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Try not to go past 24 hours or the texture might get too soft.

Can I freeze Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken?

Freeze before grilling if you want to prep ahead. Just let it thaw in the fridge before cooking. I don’t recommend freezing it after grilling—it can dry out.

What sides go best with this?

Tzatziki sauce, grilled veggies, herby couscous, or even just a big bowl of watermelon.

Conclusion

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing something on the grill for a backyard hangout, Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken brings flavor, ease, and that satisfying feeling of “I just made something really good.”

So grab that tub of Greek yogurt sitting in the back of your fridge and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at what a little marinade magic can do.

Explore More Flavor-Packed Chicken Ideas

If you loved this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken, you’re going to want to dive into more grilled and Mediterranean-inspired chicken favorites! Here are a few hand-picked recipes that pair beautifully with the juicy, herb-infused flavor of this dish:

For another juicy grilled option with a touch of tropical sweetness, don’t miss the Grilled Mango Chicken—it’s sunshine on a plate!
Craving more Mediterranean magic? Try the Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a weeknight meal that feels straight out of a seaside taverna.
If you’re a fan of that irresistible yogurt marinade, you’ll love leveling up your chicken game with The Best Greek Chicken Marinade—perfect for meal prep or weekend grilling.
And for those who like their meals on a skewer (and who doesn’t?), you’ve got to try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—a spicy, creamy explosion of flavor that’s ideal for entertaining or dinner with a kick.

These recipes keep the bold flavors coming while giving you fun new ways to enjoy your favorite protein. Ready for your next chicken adventure? Let’s keep that grill hot and that dinner table happy!