Tender and juicy baked chicken breasts marinated in a rich and creamy Greek yogurt mixture. Flavored with zesty lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, this dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and arrange the chicken in a baking dish. Discard the used marinade.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you prefer a spicier version of this dish. The heat will balance well with the creamy Greek yogurt, giving it an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Try substituting or adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried oregano for a more robust herbal taste. Fresh herbs bring out vibrant, earthy notes when paired with lemon and garlic.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a non-dairy yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt, to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or who prefer plant-based options. Ensure the yogurt has a neutral flavor to maintain the dish’s Mediterranean vibe.
Cooking Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of feta cheese on top before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor significantly.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair the baked chicken with a crisp Greek salad made of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The refreshing salad complements the rich flavors of the chicken perfectly.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil and lemon juice on top for added flavor.
- In a Pita Wrap: Slice the chicken and stuff it into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. This makes a great option for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Tips
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt not only adds richness but also helps the marinade stick better to the chicken, resulting in more flavor retention during baking.
- Pat Chicken Dry Before Marinating: This ensures the marinade adheres better and penetrates deeper into the meat. Excess moisture can dilute the marinade, reducing its effectiveness.
- Let Chicken Rest After Baking: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender when sliced.
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 43 g
Sodium: 410 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but they may require slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. - Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight yields the best flavor, you can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour if you’re short on time. The yogurt’s acidity still helps tenderize the chicken even in a shorter marination period. - Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the marinated chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. - What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?
You can pair this chicken with roasted vegetables, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or a simple lemon rice pilaf for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Conclusion
Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The creamy marinade ensures every bite is tender and juicy, while the Mediterranean spices bring bold, fresh flavors to your plate. Whether you serve it with a salad, rice, or in a wrap, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy experimenting with variations and pairings to make it uniquely yours!
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Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender and juicy baked chicken breasts marinated in a rich and creamy Greek yogurt mixture. Flavored with zesty lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, this dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and arrange the chicken in a baking dish. Discard the used marinade.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of feta cheese on top before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken, healthy baked chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, Greek-inspired chicken