Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for grilling season. The tangy yogurt and fresh herbs create a juicy, aromatic chicken that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain, full-fat
• 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced shallot, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
4. Step 4: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until cooked through. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain heat.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Cover with foil if desired to keep warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a stovetop or air fryer option, see the related blog post for detailed instructions.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on a stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may require less grilling time and can dry out more easily, so watch carefully and consider marinating longer.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, marinating for at least 1 hour still delivers great results.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a tangy and herbaceous mixture of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers juicy, smoky chicken ideal for healthy weeknight dinners or summer BBQs.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Healthy

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

• 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Setting the chicken aside ensures the marinade will properly adhere to the meat.
2. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well to create a thick, flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderizing effect.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature of around 400°F (204°C). This will give the chicken a nice sear while cooking through evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill over direct heat. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping the thighs halfway through cooking to ensure even charring and doneness. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain heat.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Resting allows juices to redistribute for moist and tender chicken.

Notes

• You can also cook this marinated chicken on the stovetop or in an air fryer if a grill isn’t available. Check the blog for alternative cooking methods.
• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but a minimum of 1 hour will still yield delicious results.
• Resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it juicy.
• This recipe pairs well with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
• Tag @CarmysHungry on Instagram with your creations or leave a 5-star comment if you enjoyed the recipe!

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken thighs, healthy chicken marinade, lemon dill chicken, easy summer BBQ recipe