Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe with you! There’s something magical about how the creamy yogurt, fresh lemon, and aromatic herbs come together to tenderize and flavor the chicken so deeply. This recipe is a wonderful go-to when you want a juicy, flavorful roast chicken that’s bursting with Mediterranean vibes but still easy enough to make any weeknight.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the marinade wasn’t just delicious but also naturally helped keep the chicken moist while roasting. You’ll find that this Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe is perfect for impressing guests or just treating your family to something a little special—plus, you can prep it ahead and relax while it works its magic in the fridge.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work in harmony to create that classic Greek flavor profile. Using whole milk yogurt gives the marinade the perfect creamy texture and mild tang, while fresh lemon zest and juice brighten everything up beautifully.

• Plain whole milk yogurt: Use full-fat for best creaminess and tenderizing effect.
• Lemons (zested and juiced): Fresh lemon enhances brightness and adds that signature Mediterranean twist.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for depth and savory notes.
• Dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Greek herb flavor.
• Dried mint: A refreshing twist that pairs amazingly with oregano.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm undertones.
• Ground coriander: Light citrusy spice that complements lemon.
• Sweet Spanish paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and rich color.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: Just a hint for complexity.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For a gentle bite.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the meat properly.
• Whole chicken: Divided into pieces, but you can also use pre-cut if you prefer.
• Chopped parsley: For fresh garnish that adds color and aroma.

Variations

I love how flexible this Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe is. Feel free to adjust spices or try different herbs based on what you have on hand – cooking should be fun and personal, after all!

• Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes swap dried oregano and mint for fresh versions when they’re in season, which brings a brighter flavor.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a welcome heat without overpowering the dish.
• Weeknight Shortcut: If short on time, marinate for just 30-45 minutes—it’s still delicious, perfect for last-minute meals.
• Protein Swap: I’ve even tried this marinade with chicken thighs alone, and it remains super tender and flavorful.

How to Make Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade

Start by combining the full-fat yogurt, fresh lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, freshly grated nutmeg, black pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt in a large bowl. I love whisking it until it’s perfectly smooth and fragrant. This step wakes up all those spices and herbs, setting a beautiful base for the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Pat your chicken pieces dry and sprinkle kosher salt generously, making sure to season under the skin too—that’s where a lot of the magic happens for flavor. Then, place the chicken in the marinade, coating every nook and cranny. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; I usually go overnight to let it soak up all that goodness. If you’re short on time, just give it a good hour—it’s still wonderful.

Step 3: Roast Until Crispy and Tender

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and oil a baking sheet lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off (too much can cause sogginess), then arrange the pieces skin-side up on the pan. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin turns golden and crisp. Keep an eye towards the end — the skin should be beautifully caramelized without burning.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away and enjoy the tender, juicy chicken infused with all those vibrant Greek flavors. I can’t recommend this simple finishing touch enough—it really lifts the dish.

How to Serve Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds just the right fresh, herbal note. Sometimes I also squeeze a little extra lemon juice for an extra zing. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or sliced kalamata olives can also elevate it beautifully.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are classic Greek staples like lemon roasted potatoes, a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, or fluffy pilaf with pine nuts. Grilled veggies or pita bread with tzatziki sauce are also perfect partners for this chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I arrange the roasted chicken on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sumac spice. This always impresses guests and makes the meal feel extra special. You could also slice the chicken and serve it on flatbreads with sliced red onions and dollops of yogurt sauce for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture, and it tastes almost as good the next day. The yogurt marinade keeps the meat juicy even after chilling.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the marinated raw chicken in freezer bags before cooking, which is super convenient for meal prep. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before roasting. Cooked leftovers freeze well too, but I recommend freezing in smaller portions for easier reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped loosely in foil to keep the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, warming gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth works well to revive the juices.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple yet so full of flavor, and reliably juicy every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious meal that feels a little special, I can’t recommend giving this a try enough. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen—and I hope it becomes one in yours too!

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