Tender & Flavorful Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken: Grilled to Perfection for Any Season
Experience incredibly juicy and tender chicken breasts, marinated in a vibrant blend of creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon, and aromatic Greek seasonings. Perfectly grilled for a delightful summer meal, or baked indoors for a cozy winter dinner – this recipe offers a quick, healthy, and incredibly easy solution for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike.
Summer is synonymous with outdoor dining, quality time with loved ones, and easy, refreshing meals that don’t trap you in a hot kitchen. This Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe embodies all of those qualities, offering a simple yet profoundly flavorful dish that can be prepared hours in advance and cooked to perfection on the grill in minutes. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for your summer menu, ensuring more time for fun and less for fuss.
Last fall, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Ohio with the American Dairy Association Mideast, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the dairy industry and the dedicated farmers behind it. We milked baby calves, witnessed a calf being born right before our eyes, and gained invaluable insights from dairy farmers like Frank Burkett. This year, I am thrilled to continue my partnership with them, bringing you more delicious, dairy-filled recipes that celebrate the goodness of milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Today, we’re putting some of that knowledge to delicious use with this incredible Yogurt Marinated Chicken. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for grilling all summer long, but equally fantastic baked in the oven when the weather turns cooler. And what better time to share it than June, which is National Dairy Month? It’s a wonderful occasion to celebrate the hard work and dedication of America’s dairy farmers, who provide us with wholesome and nutritious dairy products every single day.
The Magic of a Greek Yogurt Marinade for Exceptionally Tender Chicken
The secret to this chicken’s incredible tenderness and depth of flavor lies in its Greek yogurt-based marinade. Greek yogurt isn’t just a delicious and healthy food on its own; it’s a culinary powerhouse when it comes to marinating poultry. Unlike acidic marinades that can sometimes toughen meat if left too long, yogurt tenderizes chicken gently. The lactic acid and enzymes present in yogurt work to break down the tough protein fibers in the chicken, resulting in a remarkably succulent and moist texture. This process ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and melts in your mouth.
Beyond its tenderizing capabilities, Greek yogurt also acts as an excellent carrier for other flavors. Its thick and creamy consistency ensures that the marinade clings beautifully to every surface of the chicken, infusing it with all the wonderful seasonings. Plus, incorporating Greek yogurt means you’re adding dairy’s 9 essential nutrients directly into your meal, making it a wholesome and beneficial choice for your family. This simple addition elevates a standard chicken dinner into something truly extraordinary.
Crafting the Perfect Flavor Profile
Our marinade combines Greek yogurt with a thoughtful selection of ingredients designed to create a vibrant and balanced flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base that complements almost any dish. Greek seasoning, a blend often including oregano, thyme, and marjoram, adds an authentic Mediterranean touch. If you don’t have a specific Greek blend, good quality dried oregano alone will do wonders. The bright, citrusy notes from fresh lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the yogurt, adding a refreshing zing and enhancing the overall brightness of the dish. A hint of red pepper flakes introduces a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, making each bite more exciting without being overly spicy. Finally, a touch of olive oil helps to distribute fat-soluble flavors and contributes to the chicken’s beautiful golden crust when grilled.
Nourishing Your Family with Dairy Goodness
Integrating dairy into your diet is a fantastic way to ensure you and your family receive vital nutrients. A single serving of milk, cheese, or yogurt offers 8 grams of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth, along with 9 essential nutrients including calcium, Vitamin D, potassium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are fundamental for strong bones, energy production, and overall well-being. Health experts recommend consuming three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily. This Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe is an excellent and delicious step towards meeting that daily recommendation, allowing you to serve a healthy, wholesome meal even on your busiest nights.
Beyond the health benefits, supporting local dairy farmers through organizations like the American Dairy Association Mideast is essential. These farmers work tirelessly to provide fresh, high-quality dairy products, playing a critical role in our food system and local economies. Celebrating National Dairy Month in June is a testament to their dedication and the invaluable contributions they make.
For an extra boost of dairy goodness, consider serving this chicken with Cheesy Garlic Bread, or a creamy cucumber and dill salad made with more Greek yogurt. A simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad would also beautifully complement the flavors of the chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Connect with American Dairy Association Mideast
To learn more about the amazing work of the American Dairy Association Mideast and discover more dairy-rich recipes, be sure to follow them on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also visit Drink-Milk.com to meet Ohio and West Virginia dairy farmers, understand their commitment to cow care, and trace milk’s incredible journey from the farm to your fridge. This very recipe, along with many others, can be found on their website at Drink-Milk.
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 Tbls olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tblg Greek seasoning blend, or Oregano
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Chopped Parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, Greek seasoning blend (or oregano), lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This forms your vibrant marinade.
-
Add the chicken breasts to the yogurt mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. For best results, place the chicken and marinade into a zip-top plastic bag, seal it, and massage gently to ensure even distribution. Refrigerate for at least 30-40 minutes, or for up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
-
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of your chicken.
-
Remove the perfectly cooked chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside extra lemon wedges for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy your deliciously tender and juicy yogurt-marinated chicken!
Notes
Instead of grilling, place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
**This post is sponsored by American Dairy Association Mideast. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
We hope this expanded and refined recipe inspires you to create a delightful meal that’s both easy and nourishing. Happy grilling, happy baking, and happy National Dairy Month!
Save