Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

Name: Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Inspiration

I absolutely love this recipe for Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs! The marinade is incredibly easy to prepare, yet the flavor it imparts is truly fantastic. Combining the creaminess of Greek yogurt with fresh herbs and spices creates a deliciously tender chicken that is perfect for any occasion. I often find myself getting creative with the spices, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked in a skillet, these chicken thighs are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-15T03:41:36.944Z

When I first tried marinating chicken thighs in Greek yogurt, I was amazed at how much moisture it retained while cooking. The yogurt not only tenderizes the meat but also pulls in the flavors of the spices beautifully. For this dish, I usually make a simple herb blend using what I have on hand in my pantry. It’s a great way to experiment with seasonal herbs, and the results are always delicious!

After a few tries, I discovered that letting the chicken marinate for at least a few hours—or better yet, overnight—makes a noticeable difference. The flavors deepen and the chicken becomes incredibly succulent. I serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or an earthy grain salad, and it always garners compliments!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy and tender chicken with an irresistible flavor
Effortlessly transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet meals
Can be adapted with various spices to suit your taste

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating chicken thighs is crucial for achieving juicy and flavorful results. The Greek yogurt not only tenderizes the meat but also helps it absorb the flavors from the marinade's spices more effectively. This is largely due to the lactic acid in yogurt, which breaks down protein structures in the chicken. For best results, consider marinating for at least one hour, though overnight will yield even more pronounced flavors and a silkier texture.

Ensure that the chicken is fully coated in the marinade, which not only enhances flavor but also promotes even cooking. If you're short on time, you can still achieve decent results with a shorter marination period, but the longer you allow it to sit, the better the flavor infusion.

Cooking Techniques

Whether you choose to grill or bake your chicken thighs, consistency in cooking temperature is key. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat, ideally around 350°F (175°C). You want to hear a satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits the grill, indicating sufficient heat without risking a charred exterior before the interior cooks through.

For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Cook them until the skin is golden and crispy—this typically takes about 25-30 minutes, and using a meat thermometer to check for the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) will ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek yogurt marinated chicken thighs offer incredible versatility when it comes to serving ideas. For a light meal, pair the chicken with a fresh Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta, drizzled with a lemon-olive oil dressing. Alternatively, serving it alongside herbed rice or couscous can complement its rich flavors beautifully.

Feel free to get creative with your sides; grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes can add color and nutrition to your plate. Should you have leftovers, shredded marinated chicken is excellent in wraps or served atop a bed of greens for a hearty, flavorful salad the next day.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a flavorful marinade:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to coat the chicken well with the marinade.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to marinate and cook your chicken thighs:

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them generously. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill or bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Serve with a side salad or your favorite starch. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, experiment with spices like paprika, coriander, or even chili powder in the marinade. You can also try using boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself without Greek yogurt, a thick plant-based yogurt can serve as a substitute, providing similar creaminess and tenderness. Alternatively, buttermilk works well and can add a unique flavor profile while still tenderizing the chicken. Just remember to adjust the seasoning since buttermilk can be slightly more acidic than yogurt.

For those aiming for a lower fat option, you can use low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt, which still maintains the necessary creaminess for the marinade. However, the chicken may not be as rich-tasting as with full-fat yogurt.

Storage and Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date for easy reference.

When reheating, be cautious as the chicken can easily dry out. A microwave is convenient but can lead to uneven heating; instead, consider reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water until warmed through, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it's heated evenly.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the marinade to suit your favorite flavor profiles or what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Additionally, incorporating smoked paprika can add a delightful depth to the chicken’s flavor.

Herbs also play a crucial role in customization. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint can elevate the marinade's freshness. Just chop them finely and mix them into the marinade. Experimenting with different combinations can keep this dish exciting every time you prepare it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the cooking time as they will cook faster.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

→ Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw before cooking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light cucumber salad pair beautifully with the marinated chicken.