If you’ve never tried a chicken marinade with yogurt, you’re about to discover your new go-to for juicy, flavorful chicken. This simple marinade turns plain chicken into something special—whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing boneless skinless breasts or bone-in thighs. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers tender, tangy results every time.
Jump to:
The backstory.
I started using yogurt as a marinade years ago after a trip to the Mediterranean, and I’ve never looked back. It’s an easy way to keep chicken super tender and full of flavor—no fancy ingredients or long prep needed. This version quickly became a weeknight favorite in our house, especially when we’re craving something fresh, simple, and a little zesty.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
Here’s what makes this yogurt chicken marinade so crave-worthy:
- Yogurt tenderizes like magic—the acidity and creaminess of plain Greek yogurt break down tough fibers for unbelievably juicy chicken.
- Flavor-packed yet simple—made with everyday pantry ingredients—just mix, marinate, and cook.
- Healthy and versatile—it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and works with whatever cooking method or cut of chicken you love.
Greek yogurt does the heavy lifting—tangy, tender chicken packed with flavor in every bite.
Let’s talk texture and flavor.
This simple yogurt marinade gives chicken a tender texture and bright, savory flavor in every bite. The lemon juice adds zest, the garlic and olive oil give it that Mediterranean base, and a touch of honey or sweetener balances it all out. There’s a warm depth from the paprika and just the right amount of earthiness from the oregano. And let’s not forget the punch of a half teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper—yes, it makes a difference!
What you'll need.
This is a simple chicken marinade with yogurt, but don’t underestimate its power. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: nonfat or full-fat Greek yogurt both work, but full-fat delivers extra creaminess and richness.
- Olive Oil: helps infuse the marinade into the chicken and adds moisture.
- Lemon Juice: brings brightness and helps tenderize.
- Honey: balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
- Seasonings: ground cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper bring earthy, savory notes.
- Herbs: dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Garnish: optional fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness once cooked.
If you’re all about easy, flavorful meals, you’ll love these other simple marinades. My all-purpose steak marinade is bold and savory, great for more than just beef. My tofu marinade gives Asian-inspired flavor with minimal effort, while the chicken thigh marinade is a juicy, go-to favorite. For seafood, this salmon marinade brings a bright, citrusy kick that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Cooking lamb? This lamb marinade is herb-forward and packed with flavor—ideal for grilling or roasting. Each one is quick to prep, easy to customize, and made to fit real life.
Customize it your way.
This chicken and yogurt marinade is the perfect base to get creative with! Want to mix it up? Try adding or swapping:
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat—perfect if you like a little kick.
- Smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor that makes it feel like it's been on the grill all day.
- Fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a pop of color and garden-fresh taste.
- Zest of a lemon to amp up the brightness and bring extra zing.
- A dash of turmeric for a warm, earthy flavor and golden color.
- Grated ginger to add a subtle heat and zing—especially great if you're leaning into more globally-inspired flavors.
Flexible dietary swaps.
Want to make it your way? Here are some easy, healthy swaps:
- Dairy-free—use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
- Low sugar—swap honey with a monk fruit or erythritol-based substitute.
- Low sodium—reduce the kosher salt and amp up the lemon and herbs.
- Low fat—stick with nonfat Greek yogurt.
How to make marinade chicken in yogurt.
This easy chicken yogurt marinade comes together in just minutes with a few simple ingredients:
Combine Ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Marinade Chicken
Coat chicken thoroughly in the marinade and refrigerate until ready to cook.
How to cook yogurt marinated chicken.
Here's how to cook Greek yogurt marinated chicken—grill it, bake it, or pan-sear it, depending on your mood and mealtime. Note that for this chicken recipe it is best to use: bone-in chicken breasts or chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts.
To grill chicken:
- Preheat grill to 400°F.
- Boneless: Grill 5–7 minutes per side; Bone-in: Grill 8–10 minutes per side. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
To bake chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake boneless cuts: 20–25 minutes; bone-in: 35–45 minutes.
To pan-sear chicken:
- It is best to pan-sear boneless chicken.
- Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F).
Kori's tips.
- Use it on skin-on or boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours—this is key for max flavor and tenderness.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich, creamy texture and deeper flavor.
- Set aside extra marinade (before adding chicken) and brush it on during cooking for even more flavor.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking—this helps it sear beautifully without steaming.
FAQ's
You can store the prepared chicken marinade with yogurt (without raw chicken) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
No—once raw chicken has touched the marinade, it should be discarded after use. If you’d like extra sauce for basting or serving, set some marinade aside before adding the chicken.
Yes! In fact, marinating for 8 to 24 hours gives the yogurt and spices even more time to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!
Can I ask you a favor?
If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!
📖 The recipe.
Chicken and Yogurt Marinade
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves (minced, or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or sugar substitute
- For use on: up to 2½ pounds chicken
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Coat chicken breasts thoroughly in marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours (or up to overnight). Cook chicken as desired—grill, bake, or pan-sear. Instructions below.
Kori's Tips
- Boneless: Grill 5–7 minutes per side.
-
Bone-in: Grill 8–10 minutes per side.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Boneless: Bake 20–25 minutes.
-
Bone-in: Bake 35–45 minutes, depending on size.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™
Keep the good eats going.
Here's some more seasonings and sauces that would work perfectly for flavoring proteins and vegetables:
Comments
No Comments