Name: Greek Yogurt Lemon Herb Marinade for Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (127 grams); 1/3 cup olive oil (2.5 ounces); Juice of 2 lemons (2.5 ounces); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons fresh oregano; 3 tablespoons fresh basil; 1 tablespoon fresh dill; Dash salt & pepper; 1.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (two filleted breasts or thin sliced)

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Introduction

This Greek chicken marinade is a vibrant and flavorful way to elevate simple chicken breasts. Infused with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and creamy yogurt, it creates tender, juicy grilled chicken perfect for a quick dinner or a summer cookout.

A white bowl holds three pieces of grilled chicken breast with a golden brown color and dark grill marks across each piece. The chicken is seasoned with small bits of herbs and black pepper visible on the surface. To the side inside the bowl are three lemon slices with bright yellow peel and light yellow flesh, arranged in a fan shape. Fresh green herb sprigs, possibly oregano, rest next to the chicken on one side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (127 grams)
1/3 cup olive oil (2.5 ounces)
Juice of 2 lemons (2.5 ounces)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons fresh oregano
3 tablespoons fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh dill
Dash of salt and pepper
1.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (two fileted breasts or thin sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Add the filleted chicken breasts to the bowl and turn them in the marinade to ensure they are fully coated.
Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to 400ºF (204ºC).
Step 5: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill grates. Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before serving.
Step 7: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense herb flavor, use finely chopped dried herbs if fresh are not available, but reduce the amount by half.
If you prefer, bake the marinated chicken breasts at 400ºF for 20-25 minutes instead of grilling.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of rice or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm in the microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook and dry out the meat.

How to Serve

The image shows three plates of food on a white marbled surface with some green herbs scattered around. In the center foreground, a white plate holds three grilled chicken breasts with clear char marks, placed next to a few lemon slices, green herbs, and a lemon half with a garlic bulb beside it. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with a colorful bean chili made from red kidney beans, pinto beans, and browned ground meat. On the right, a white bowl contains a pasta salad with curly rotini pasta mixed with small broccoli pieces, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot rounds, and white cheese chunks, all sprinkled with black pepper. A blue linen cloth lies beneath the bowls, with four silver forks resting on it next to the chicken plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Yes, this marinade works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust marinating time as needed based on the protein.

Is it necessary to marinate for 8 hours?

No, marinating for at least 2 hours is sufficient to impart flavor and tenderize the chicken. However, longer marinating can deepen the taste.