Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade with Lemon and Shallot

If you want juicy & tender chicken with bold Mediterranean flavor, this Greek yogurt chicken marinade does all the work for you. The lemon zest and shallot make it brighter than most versions, and the yogurt keeps the chicken ridiculously tender for a quick griddle sear that feels a bit fancy. Greek chicken marinade is perfect for busy weeknights and goes beautifully with my Creamy Rice with Garlic & Parmesan.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Bold flavor: Lemon juice, zest, and shallot give this Greek yogurt chicken a fresh tang, while oregano adds warmth. It’s got the same sunny vibe as my Simple Spaghetti al Limone, just for chicken.
• Quick: Greek yogurt chicken marinade comes together in a ziplock bag in about 2 minutes with barely any cleanup. It’s just as easy as my Soy Garlic Chicken Breast.
• Super versatile: Use the Greek marinade for chicken thighs, breasts, skewers, or meal prep bowls throughout the week. Tweak the cayenne up or down depending on what you fancy.

If you have leftover Greek yogurt marinated chicken, consider serving it with Greek Chicken Bowls, Easy Flatbreads, or Spicy Tomato Rice.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: Thick Greek yogurt (or Greek yoghurt if you’re in the UK or Australia) tenderizes the chicken while keeping it moist & juicy. Full-fat or low-fat both work for the chicken marinade. I just take whatever’s in the fridge, and use any extra to make Easy Tzatziki.
• Fresh lemon: The juice adds brightness and the zest brings those citrus oils that make the Greek yogurt chicken marinade really pop. If you love lemony dishes, you’ll love my Chicken Piccata.
• Shallot: Finely sliced shallot gives the Greek yogurt marinade for chicken a sweet, gentle onion flavor that’s way softer than raw garlic but still really flavourful. You could use red onion if that’s what you’ve got, but shallot’s cleaner.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

• Use chicken breasts: Butterfly or lightly pound the breasts so they cook evenly and stay juicy. This technique works great in these Easy Sauteed Chicken Breasts too and prevents dryness.
• Make it milder: Skip the cayenne or just use a pinch for kids. The lemon and oregano in the Greek yogurt chicken marinade still shine.
• Oven-baked version: Bake the marinated Greek yogurt chicken thighs on a lined tray at 425°F/220°C for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway. Internal temp should hit 165°F/74°C, then rest for 5 minutes.
• Grill instead of griddle: Cook over medium-high on a preheated grill for 5-6 minutes per side. You get a smoky char that’s gorgeous with The BEST Halloumi Salad.

How to make Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

Step 1: Add all the marinade ingredients to a ziplock bag and massage from the outside until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag, and massage to coat evenly, then refrigerate for 1-24 hours.

Step 3: Let the chicken sit out for 30 minutes, then cook on a preheated, lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 4: Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F / 74°C, rest for 5 minutes, then finish with black pepper and chopped parsley.

Slice this chicken for salads like Rocket Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Simple Tricolore Salad, or the Jennifer Aniston Salad.

Why Yogurt Makes Chicken Juicier

Greek yoghurt chicken marinade is my absolute fav! Greek yoghurt isn’t just there for flavour, it actually changes the texture. The acidity breaks down proteins in the meat, which keeps chicken soft and way less likely to dry out when you cook it hot.

Unlike oil marinades, yogurt is thick enough to cling to the chicken. That means the lemon, oregano, garlic, and shallot don’t just sit on top, they stay put and get right in there as it marinades, giving it the best flavor.

Yogurt also creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown more evenly on a hot griddle. This is why you get that nice golden sear on the outside while it stays juicy inside.

If you’ve ever had tough or rubbery chicken, this is exactly why Greek yogurt chicken marinade works so well. You get flavour and better texture at the same time.

Serving Suggestions

Greek yogurt chicken marinade works for everything from casual dinners to meal prep lunches.

Try it with:

• Baked Orzo with Halloumi
• Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
• Crispy Roast Parsnips
• The Best Buttered Sauteed Leeks
• Super Crispy Ninja Airfryer Roast Potatoes

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken from your Greek yogurt chicken marinade in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep any juices with it.

Freezer: Cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave it covered so it doesn’t dry out.

Recipe FAQs

If you want more Mediterranean meals, try The BEST Halloumi Burger, Fast Roasted Chickpea Tzatziki Wrap, or Grilled Greek Chicken Salad.