Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously quick, weeknight dinner that manages to be both healthy and deeply flavorful, this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Each bite has that perfect balance of creamy, tangy yogurt, vibrant spices, and juicy, tender chicken. The secret? A magical marinade that works overtime to pack every morsel with Mediterranean-inspired flair. Whether you’re baking or air frying, this dish effortlessly fits into busy schedules—and it’s endlessly versatile, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its short list of ingredients, each one playing a starring role. These simple pantry staples combine to create a marinade that’s rich in flavor, lightly tangy, and bursting with color.

• Whole milk Greek yogurt: This is the creamy backbone of the marinade—its richness tenderizes the chicken and adds lovely tang. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works too!
• Shawarma seasoning: Just half a teaspoon infuses authentic, earthy spice; don’t skip this if you want that Middle Eastern flair.
• Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and that inviting reddish hue.
• Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlicky warmth—gives the chicken an irresistible aroma.
• Onion powder: Boosts savory depth, balancing all those bright flavors.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and draws out the flavors.
• Black pepper: For that perfect hint of heat.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang, cutting through richness.
• Orange juice: A gentle sweetness and subtle citrus kick make the marinade extra special.
• Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the marinade, helping everything stick to the chicken.
• Boneless chicken thighs: The ultra-juicy cut that soaks up every bit of flavor—thighs are forgiving and always tender.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the Greek yogurt, shawarma seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, orange juice, and olive oil. Use a whisk to blend everything into a beautifully smooth, peachy-orange marinade. This creamy mixture is about to work wonders, turning even a quick meal into something worth savoring.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the boneless chicken thighs to a large Ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and give it a few good shakes or gentle kneads until every piece is thoroughly coated. Pop this straight into the fridge for 6 to 8 hours. (Avoid marinating longer than 12 hours—the yogurt’s acidity can break down the chicken too much.) This step is what makes the Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe so tender and flavorful!

Step 3: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Before you cook, preheat your oven to 425°F, placing a sheet pan inside while it heats up. Once preheated, carefully pull out the hot pan and arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 170°F and the edges are starting to turn irresistibly crisp. For extra-crispy edges, switch to the broiler for a few minutes (just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t go too far!).

Step 4: Air Fryer Option

If you love that air-fried, extra-crisp exterior, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken thighs in the basket, making sure they’re in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are golden and the inside is perfectly juicy.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can really make this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe pop with color and freshness. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top for extra zing, or scatter thinly sliced red onions for a bold finish.

Side Dishes

This chicken is wonderfully versatile! For a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dinner, serve it alongside a Labne dip and a crisp, herby salad. Roasted vegetables, couscous, or fluffy basmati rice are also fantastic options to soak up every bit of delicious marinade.

Creative Ways to Present

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe isn’t just for plates—slice the thighs for stuffing into pita wraps with veggies and sauce, or layer the chicken over a bed of greens for a hearty salad. It even works beautifully in grain bowls packed with colorful veggies and your favorite dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken? Lucky you! Let any extra chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or juiciness.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for another night, go right ahead: freeze the cooked Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The air fryer is also great for reviving a bit of that crispy edge—just a few minutes at 350°F will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they may be a touch less juicy than thighs. Just be sure not to overcook them, and check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

What if I don’t have shawarma seasoning?

If you’re out of shawarma seasoning, try using a combination of cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon for a similar flavor vibe. The beauty of this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is—spices are your playground!

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best results, aim for 6 to 8 hours of marinating in the fridge. This gives the flavors plenty of time to develop without turning the texture mushy. Don’t go beyond 12 hours, or the chicken can get too soft.

Is it okay to use low-fat yogurt instead of whole milk Greek yogurt?

You can use low-fat Greek yogurt, though the marinade will be a little less rich and creamy. If you choose this route, keep a close eye on your chicken so it doesn’t dry out in the oven or air fryer!

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk the marinade up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just toss it with the chicken and marinate as usual.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and just a bit special—give this Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a casual family dinner or a meal with friends. I can’t wait for you to taste how the marinade transforms simple chicken into something memorable!

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