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Easy Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Keto-Friendly Delight

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe is a 30-minute meal that combines creamy, tangy flavors with juicy, tender chicken baked to perfection. With minimal prep and a simple ingredient list, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and has the bonus of being kid-approved.

Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and bold flavors. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • Minimal Ingredients: You only need six staples—chicken breast, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Greek spices, parsley, and a touch of olive oil or seasoning. Chances are, you already have most of these in your kitchen.
  • Tender and Flavorful: Greek yogurt isn’t just for flavor—it contains enzymes that naturally tenderize the chicken during marination. The result? Juicy chicken with a silky, flavorful coating and a hint of crispness when baked.
  • Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this tender, flavorful chicken. The yogurt marinade keeps the texture soft and juicy—no rubbery chicken here!
  • Versatility: Pair it with cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Leftovers can easily transform into salads, sandwiches, or wraps, making it a meal prep hero.

Serving Suggestions

For a balanced meal, serve this Greek Yogurt Chicken with sides like:

  • Roasted or steamed vegetables
  • Cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option
  • A fresh Mediterranean-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta
  • Pita bread or rice for a non-keto twist

This recipe is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and sure to please the entire family. Enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness with the confidence that dinnertime just got a lot easier.

Ingredient Notes

Understanding the ingredients in this recipe will help you achieve the best results:

  • Greek Yogurt: Whole milk plain Greek yogurt is recommended for richness, but low-fat and non-fat versions work well too.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbal flavor.
  • Greek Seasoning: Primal Palate’s Super Gyro seasoning is a great choice. If unavailable, you can make your own blend with 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Fresh Garlic Cloves: Essential for depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Use only the zest for this recipe. Save the zested lemon for juice in another recipe or for your tea or water.
  • Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs (boneless or bone-in) are also an option. Note that thighs may require 5 extra minutes of cooking time.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to taste for seasoning.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken

Follow these simple steps for perfectly marinated and cooked chicken:

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, parsley, Greek seasoning, garlic, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.
  2. Slice the Chicken(optional):
    • Cut the chicken into 1″ x 2″ strips for faster cooking and optimal marinade coverage.
  3. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring even coating. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  4. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Arrange Chicken:
    • Place the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake the Chicken:
    • Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Rest the Chicken:
    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to lock in the juices.
  8. Serve:
    • Serve with baby greens, cauliflower rice, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a yogurt dipping sauce (use reserved marinade for this). Alternatively, enjoy it in a salad, pita, or wrap, or pair it with roasted vegetables.
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Expert Tips

  • Dipping Sauce: Double the marinade recipe and save half to use as a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce.
  • Monitor Cooking: Check the chicken at the 15-minute mark to remove any excess water released during cooking, then bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp.
  • Double Batch: This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Use leftovers in lunches, salads, or wraps.
  • Simplified Marinade: If low on ingredients, just Greek yogurt and seasoning still make a delicious marinade.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try substituting plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Grill Method: For grilling, follow the same marinade instructions. Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or use medium-high heat on a gas/charcoal grill.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with baby greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a light meal.
  • Add to a salad, stuff into a pita, or serve alongside roasted veggies or keto-friendly fries.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt marinade may alter in texture when thawed.

Recipe FAQs

Does Greek yogurt tenderize chicken?
Yes! The enzymes and acidity in Greek yogurt break down chicken proteins, making it tender and flavorful.

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade?
No, cook the chicken with the marinade on for maximum flavor.

Is yogurt marinade healthy?
Absolutely! One serving of this chicken provides 283 calories, 51 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and just 2 net carbs.

Can you marinate chicken in yogurt for 48 hours?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated for up to 72 hours for enhanced flavor.

Lemon Garlic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken