Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (2024)

Published: by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

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Say goodbye to dry, bland grilled chicken! This yogurt marinated grilled chicken recipe results in juicy, tender chicken that’s packed with bold flavor. The garlicky marinade is easy to make and can be used on chicken thighs or breasts. The chicken can be marinated ahead—in fact, it gets even better with time—making it perfect for buys weeknights and weekend barbecues.

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (1)

Grilled chicken is notoriously dry, but this recipe is going to change all that. The garlicky yogurt marinade comes together using simple ingredients, and I'll show you easy techniques to get perfectly juicy chicken, even when using boneless, skinless breasts.

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (2)

Yogurt marinade ingredients:

  • Whole milk yogurt: The lactic acid in yogurt tenderizes chicken while also preventing it from drying out on the grill. I prefer to use whole milk yogurt (you can use regular plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt), because the higher fat content helps keep the chicken juicy. You can also swap out the yogurt for sour cream.
  • Garlic cloves: Grated garlic imparts a delicious flavor.
  • Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika gives the marinade a hint of smoky depth, but you can use regular paprika if that's what you have.
  • Dried oregano: Dried oregano lends an herby flavor.
  • Honey: A hint of honey (or you can use sugar) balances the flavors and also helps the chicken caramelize.
  • Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe (however, the marinade also works great with bone-in pieces!). If you have both white meat and dark meat lovers in your house, go for a mix of both. See the tips below for using chicken breasts.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (3)

How to make this yogurt marinated chicken recipe:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano and honey, and season with salt and black pepper.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (4)
  • Place the chicken in the bowl, and toss to coat (or you can place the chicken in a zip top bag and add the marinade). Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (5)
  • Preheat an outdoor grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat (500˚F). Clean the grates, and brush them lightly with oil.Scrape off any excess marinade from the chicken, and season the pieces with salt and pepper.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (6)
  • Arrange the chicken on the grill in a single layer and grill until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side (the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat on an instant read thermometer should read 165˚F).
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  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and let rest for 5 minutes.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (8)

Chicken kebabs variation

For chicken kebabs, cut the chicken into 1 ½ inch chunks before marinating. Thread the marinated chicken on metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers and grill until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes total.

Serving suggestions

Sprinkle the yogurt marinated chicken with a bit of lemon juice before serving (I love to serve it with grilled lemon halves, which are included in the recipe). You can serve the chicken as-is with your favorite side dish (see below for ideas!). Or, you can slice the chicken for salads, wraps, sandwiches and grain bowls.

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (9)

Recipe tips:

  • Chicken breasts have a tendency to turn dry and tough on the grill since they’re thick and unevenly shaped. To get juicy, tender grilled chicken breasts, pound them to a ½-inch thickness. This allows them to cook evenly and quickly without drying out. You can do this between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap using the flat side of a meat mallet (or rolling pin), or you can ask your butcher to do it for you. There’s no need to pound chicken thighs, since they’re thinner and have a higher fat content.
  • Smoked paprika gives the marinade a hint of smoky depth, but you can use regular paprika if you don't have it.
  • You can use a gas grill, a charcoal grill or an indoor grill pan to cook this yogurt marinated chicken recipe.
  • If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade!

FAQs

What does marinating chicken in yogurt do?

Yogurt is a fantastic marinade for chicken, as it tenderizes the meat without turning it rubbery or mushy like vinegar-based marinades can do. Yogurt also creates a delicious crust on the outside of chicken.

What cut of chicken should I use in yogurt marinade?

You can use nearly any cut of chicken in a yogurt marinade, from boneless skinless breasts and thighs, to bone-in pieces of chicken, to chicken tenders.

How long can I marinate chicken in yogurt?

You can marinate chicken in yogurt anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours. The longer it marinates the more flavorful it will become, but don't go over 24 hours otherwise the chicken could turn mushy.

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade?

No, do not rinse off the yogurt marinade, as it will create a delicious crust on the outside of the chicken. Simply scrape off any excess marinade then cook the chicken directly.

Side dishes to serve with this yogurt marinated grilled chicken recipe:

  • Grilled Broccoli with Hot Garlic Honey
  • Grilled Potatoes
  • Red Cabbage and Sweet Corn Slaw
  • Easy Ratatouille
  • Grilled Panzanella Salad

Stay connected

I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

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Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (10)

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Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken

Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken! This yogurt marinated grilled chicken recipe results in juicy, tender chicken that’s packed with bold flavor. The garlicky marinade is easy to make and can be used on chicken thighs or breasts. You can marinate the chicken up to one day in advance (it will become more tender and flavorful the longer you marinate it) making it perfect for buys weeknights and weekend barbecues. Pair the yogurt grilled chicken with grilled vegetables (try these Grilled Potatoes!), or serve it in salads, wraps, pita pockets or grain bowls. You can use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts - be sure to check out the tip in the Notes below about pounding chicken breasts!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Marinating time20 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: yogurt marinade recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, yogurt marinated chicken recipe

Servings: 4 -6 people

Author: Nicki Sizemore

Ingredients

Grilled yogurt chicken

  • ¾ cup plain whole milk yogurt (regular or Greek)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ -2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (*if using breasts, pound them to ½-inch thickness- see the tips below)

For serving (optional)

  • 2 lemons, halved
  • Oil, for brushing
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano and honey, and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bowl, and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours (the longer the chicken marinates the more flavorful it will be, but don’t exceed 24 hours, otherwise the meat could turn mushy). If refrigerating, let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling.

Grill the chicken

  • Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high (500˚F). Clean the grates, and brush them lightly with oil.

  • Scrape off excess marinade from the chicken, and season it with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through, flipping once, about and 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter or cutting board and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Grill the lemon halves

  • Brush the lemon halves lightly with oil then grill, cut sides down, until grill marks form, about 2-3 minutes.

  • Serve the chicken with the grilled lemon halves for drizzling. You can serve the chicken on its own or slice it against the grain for salads, sandwiches and bowls.

Notes

Do Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 1 day ahead.

Tips:

  • Chicken breasts have a tendency to turn dry and tough on the grill since they’re thick and unevenly shaped. To get juicy, tender grilled chicken breasts, pound them to a ½-inch thickness. This allows them to cook evenly and quickly without drying out. You can do this between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap using the flat side of a meat mallet (or rolling pin), or you can ask your butcher to do it for you. There’s no need to pound chicken thighs, since they’re thinner and have a higher fat content.
  • Smoked paprika gives the marinade a hint of smoky depth, but you can use regular paprika if you don't have it.
  • You can use a gas grill, a charcoal grill or an indoor grill pan to cook this yogurt marinated chicken recipe.
  • If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade!

More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes

  • Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta (One Skillet!)
  • Ultimate Whole Smoked Chicken Recipe (Traeger Smoked Chicken)
  • Maple Miso Glazed Salmon

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ray A. says

    This recipe is pretty much follows the Persian Jooje kabobs. You can add 2 to 3 teaspoons of saffron tea (saffron strands brewed like tea in hot water) to the marinade or brush it few minutes before finish grilling to add more depth of flavor. Another thing you can add small amount of cumin powder to the marinate. Both ways adds flavor to the mix for those seeking more taste.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi there! This recipe is super versatile and would be delicious with saffron as you suggest - thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  2. Andi says

    The chicken was tender but it had very little flavor.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi there! I'm sorry your chicken didn't absorb the flavors. May I ask how long you marinated it for? You can also increase the amount of garlic, if you prefer.

      Reply

      • Maureen Anderson says

        Hi Nicky. I am going to make this & surely it will be great!

      • Nicki Sizemore says

        I hope you enjoy, Maureen!!

Leave a Comment

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe | From Scratch Fast (2024)

FAQs

How long can you marinate chicken in yoghurt for? ›

Rub the chicken breasts with the yogurt and seasoning and coat well. Allow the chicken to marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

Do you wipe off yogurt marinade before grilling? ›

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade? No, do not rinse off the yogurt marinade, as it will create a delicious crust on the outside of the chicken. Simply scrape off any excess marinade then cook the chicken directly.

Is there a way to marinate chicken faster? ›

Marinades can be effective in as little as 15 minutes. If you're short on time and need to marinate your chicken quickly, you can poke holes in the chicken or slice it thinly to help the marinade penetrate in as little time as possible.

Can you marinate in yogurt overnight? ›

You can marinate chicken and other meats overnight in yogurt, or as long as 12 hours, because the tenderizing happens so gradually. However, acid-based marinades usually can only be used for a few hours.

Do you rinse chicken after marinating in yogurt? ›

First would be to submerge your meat into the plain yogurt with "no seasoning". Let plain yogurt tenderize the meat then remove,wash yogurt off with Luke warm water,pat dry,then season meat thoroughly with sea salt,pepper garlic powder and olive oil let sit for an hour or so then cook.

Should you wipe off yogurt marinade? ›

Do you wipe off yogurt marinade? You want a thin, even layer of yogurt on the meat because that's where all the flavor is. If there's too much, it will stick to the grill and burn.

How long to leave chicken in yogurt? ›

In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and spices. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat everything well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour (I recommend 1-2 hours).

Which should be avoided when marinating? ›

Here are some of the most common marinade mistakes to avoid:
  • Overmarinating. ...
  • Undermarinating. ...
  • Not using enough marinade. ...
  • Marinating in the wrong container. ...
  • Not marinating in the refrigerator. ...
  • Reusing the marinade.

Is yogurt or vinegar better for marinade? ›

Examples of acids typically added to marinades include vinegar, lemon juice, and wine. However, the lactic acid in yogurt has a more gentle influence than these other acids. When left too long on meat, these other acids can either create a mushy outer layer or may toughen certain proteins.

What is the shortest amount of time to marinate chicken? ›

You can marinate chicken anywhere from 2 hours up to 24 hours, though marinating chicken for even 15 to 30 minutes can impart flavor and moisture into smaller pieces of meat. Generally, bone-in cuts of chicken, such as wings, drumsticks and breasts, will require a longer marinade time than their boneless counterparts.

Why is my chicken hard after marinating? ›

In fact, marinades with high acidity may actually end up toughening chicken that has been left too long. For that reason, it's arguable that a quick soak is the best way to marinate chicken, especially if you're using a cut like chicken breasts, which contain less fat.

What happens if you don't marinate chicken for long enough? ›

Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend six hours up to 24 hours. It is safe to keep the food in the marinade longer, but after two days it is possible that the marinade can start to break down the fibers of the meat, causing it to become mushy.

What does yogurt marinade do to chicken? ›

Yogurt tenderizes meat much more gently and effectively than regular marinades. While acidic vinegar- or citrus-based marinades can toughen proteins like chicken breast to a rubbery consistency, yogurt slowly tenderizes them, resulting in meat that can practically be pulled apart by hand.

Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? ›

You have to be careful with swapping Greek yogurt and regular. In some applications, the thinner consistency of regular yogurt doesn't impact the recipe at all. With baking, if a recipe specifically calls for Greek yogurt, the added moisture from using regular yogurt instead might make the dough or batter too wet.

Is Greek yogurt or regular yogurt better for marinade? ›

You can use any type of yogurt to make a marinade so long as the flavor is plain. If you're using Greek yogurt, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to loosen it up as it contains less moisture.

Can you marinate chicken in yogurt too long? ›

Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend six hours up to 24 hours. It is safe to keep the food in the marinade longer, but after two days it is possible that the marinade can start to break down the fibers of the meat, causing it to become mushy.

Can you marinate chicken in yogurt for 48 hours? ›

For the most part, you shouldn't plan on marinating your chicken for longer than 24 hours. However, the USDA's website indicates that you can safely marinate chicken for up to 48 hours. Past that, however, you're going to risk turning your chicken into a mushy mess.

How long can you leave meat in yogurt marinade? ›

For example, you can marinate chicken in yogurt overnight without any worry. (Lactic acid is also “the best for tenderizing meat and increasing the water retention capacity,” Sharma said, because animal dairy is high in phosphates, which also help with water retention.)

Is it OK to marinate chicken for 2 days? ›

Can I Marinate Chicken for Too Long? The USDA recommends not keeping poultry in marinade for longer than two days, as it's possible that the marinade will start breaking down the meat's fibers and cause it to become mushy. A good rule of thumb is to keep marinating time under 24 hours.

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