Greek Yogurt Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

Greek yogurt marinated chicken is the KEY to incredibly moist, tender and juicy chicken!!! Infused with lemon, garlic with just a touch of mint, this yogurt marinade also doubles as an incredible yogurt sauce for the chicken!

Greek Yogurt Marinade For Chicken:

Using greek yogurt as a marinade is absolutely brilliant and is one of my favorite techniques for infusing flavor as well as keeping meats tender and juicy when grilling!

This lemon, garlic and mint yogurt marinade is, hands down, my favorite. I especially love that the marinade makes a luscious yogurt sauce for chicken. So simple, and made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

You'll need:

• Chicken: I used bone in chicken breasts, but this recipe works with thighs, drumsticks or even a spatchcocked chicken. I like using bone in chicken for grilling, but skinless and boneless breasts or thighs also work!
• Yogurt: I used plain greek yogurt (since that is always in my refrigerator!) but you could also use plain yogurt or lebneh (strained greek yogurt).
• fresh lemon juice: Nothing beats the flavor of fresh lemon juice. You can use bottled juice, but fresh juice definitely tastes better!
• Garlic: I regularly use bottled garlic in my kitchen but for this yogurt chicken recipe, you really need to use fresh garlic!
• Fresh Mint and Parsley: If you're not a fan of mint, feel free to use all parsley. But I highy recommend trying this yogurt marinade with fresh mint. The flavor is subtle and brightens all the other flavors!
• Olive oil, salt and pepper - nothing fancy or special about these pantry staples!

Greek Yogurt Marinade:

Why Marinating Chicken in yogurt is brilliant!

Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, buttermilk, and yogurt break down cell walls - making food more tender AND allowing them to absorb more moisture. Yogurt also a fabulous carrier of flavor -infusing the chicken with all those lemon and garlic flavors!

How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?

The beauty of this marinade is that you can marinate the chicken for as little as 3 hours or up to 24 hours! I usually marinate the chicken overnight, but if time is short, 3 hours will do the trick!

What Else Can I Use this Marinade For?

As I mentioned, the marinade also makes a fabulous yogurt sauce ! After making the marinade, reserve a half cup or so and serve it with the grilled chicken. Sometimes I make a double batch of the marinade and make a salad with the leftovers.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken:

• Combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper in a nonreactive bowl and whisk to combine. TIP: You can make the marinade a day ahead of time but don't add the mint until you are ready to marinate the chicken since it will turn black!
• Set aside ½ cup of the marinade for sauce!!! Add the chicken and thoroughly coat with the marinade. For easier storage you can transfer the chicken to a ziplock bag.
• Refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours or overnight.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. TIP: to prevent sticking, CLEAN AND OIL your grate!
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you grill it.
• Scrape off excess marinade and place the chicken on the grill. Cook, turning frequently until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees - about 15 minutes depending upon the size of your breasts.
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the juices migrate back to the center of the chicken.

Other Chicken Recipes you should try!

• Moroccan Chicken - lemon and olives flavor this easy, one pan chicken!
• Chicken Tikka - chicken marinated in a mildly spiced yogurt marinade
• Chicken Marbella- the Silver Palate classic!
• Madras Chicken- THE gateway indian curry!
• Coconut Chicken Curry - luscious and creamy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! If you do, I would love for you to leave me a comment and rate the recipe!!!

Cheers! Nancy

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Honestly the best-grilled chicken recipe ever! This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe is so moist, tender and delicious you may never grill chicken another way! 

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Prep Time: 3 hours

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 364kcal

Author: Nancy Buchanan

Ingredients

• 2 cups Laban or plain greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil for the grill
• 2 ½ - 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 6 garlic cloves mashed to a paste
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley finely minced plus 1 Tablespoon for garnish
• 2 Tablespoons fresh mint finely minced plus 1 Tablespoon for garnish
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 chicken breasts bone in chicken breasts
• 1 lemon sliced for garnish

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, crushed garlic, parsley, mint, and salt. Transfer half the mixture to another bowl, cover and refrigerate.
• Transfer ½ cup of the marinade to another bowl, cover and refrigerate.
• Add the chicken breasts to the bowl slather with the marinade, making sure to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
• To cook:
• Remove the chicken and the reserved marinade from the refrigerator.
• Pre heat the grill to medium high heat. When the grill is hot, brush the grill with the 2 Tablespoons of oil.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
• Add the breasts to the grill and cook, turning often, until the breasts are evenly grilled on both sides and the internal temperature is 160 degrees.
• Remove the chicken from the grill to a clean platter, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Serve with the reserved marinade and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Notes:

This yogurt marinated chicken is fabulous on it's own but it's also delicious served over salads like this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.

The chicken also makes an utterly delicious chicken salad - just shred the grilled chicken and mix with the reserved marinade.

I love this chicken right off the grill but it's also fabulous served at room temperature so it's perfect for a buffet meal!

If you don't like grilling whole pieces of chicken, cut up boneless breasts or thighs and make kebabs!

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 864mg | Potassium: 434mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 12.8mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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