Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for grilling season. The tangy yogurt combined with fresh herbs and spices creates juicy chicken thighs with a delicious Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 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. 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, dill, shallots, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to 400°F (204°C).
5. Step 5: Place the chicken thighs smooth side down on the grill. Discard any remaining marinade. Grill on direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep the grill lid closed during cooking.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest covered with foil for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra zest, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle heat.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, cook the chicken under a broiler or in a hot cast-iron skillet.
• Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances tenderness and taste.

Storage

Store any cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm oven to retain juiciness. Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent dryness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating longer to keep them tender.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the marinade?

Greek yogurt acts as a tenderizer and adds creaminess, but if you don’t have it, plain regular yogurt can work as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 315 reviews

A flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices, then perfectly grilled to juicy perfection. This marinade tenderizes the meat while imparting bright, savory notes making it ideal for a healthy, protein-rich meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 4 to 5 1x
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

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, chopped
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the marinade adhere better and promotes even cooking. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the marinade.
2. Make and Apply the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, minced shallot, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to create a uniform marinade. Add the chicken thighs and toss them thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F (204°C). This will ensure a good sear and proper cooking of the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down (smooth side down) directly on the grill grates. Discard any leftover marinade remaining in the bowl to prevent flare-ups. Grill the chicken over direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even grilling. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain heat and cook the chicken evenly.
5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Cover the chicken loosely with foil while resting if possible.

Notes

• Marinating overnight enhances flavor but at least 1 hour is sufficient to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Ensure grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
• You can substitute fresh oregano if dried is not available, adjusting quantity to taste.
• Allowing chicken to rest after grilling preserves juiciness and prevents dryness.

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Greek marinade, healthy chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, summer grilling