Greek Yogurt Grilled Chicken is a healthy, flavourful, and juicy dish that is perfect for summer grilling. The combination of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices creates a tenderizing marinade that keeps the chicken moist and packed with flavour. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue, this Greek yogurt-marinated grilled chicken is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients Required
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
- Pour the Greek yogurt marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Option 1: Using an Outdoor Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and shake off excess marinade.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and grill marks appear.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Option 2: Using a Stovetop Grill Pan
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Option 3: Using an Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For a charred effect, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve Greek yogurt grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or warm pita bread.
- Pair with tzatziki sauce for an extra Mediterranean touch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness.
Tips for the Best Greek Yogurt Grilled Chicken
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier marinade.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling for juicier results.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Experiment with different spices, such as thyme or coriander, for variety.
This Greek Yogurt Grilled Chicken recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavourful meal. Whether you grill it outdoors, cook it in a pan, or bake it in the oven, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Try this recipe today and enjoy a moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned grilled chicken!