Greek Lemon Chicken with Yogurt Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe offers a bright, tangy, and creamy flavor that transforms simple chicken breasts into a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish. Marinated in garlic, lemon, Greek yogurt, and spices, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal that impresses.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot pan and sear one side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). If needed, cover the pan with a lid or foil to help cook through while retaining moisture.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
7. Step 7: Slice the chicken breasts and arrange on a serving platter. Serve with any remaining yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the spices fully infuse.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or Greek salad for a complete meal.
• Use boneless skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or oregano before serving.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. The marinade can be prepared in advance and stored up to 2 days in the fridge before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the Greek lemon chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking is a great hands-off cooking alternative.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the marinade?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken with its acidity, but you can substitute with regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt if needed. The flavor and texture might vary slightly.

Greek Lemon Chicken with Yogurt Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a creamy yogurt-based sauce with lemon, garlic, and traditional Greek seasonings. The chicken is perfectly seared in a skillet to achieve a golden crust and juicy interior, making it a flavorful and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt. Stir well until the ingredients form a creamy and flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. Prepare to Cook: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the Chicken: Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the hot pan to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts onto the pan and sear on one side for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
5. Cook Through: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If the chicken needs more cooking, cover the pan with a lid or foil to retain moisture and cook through without drying out.
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
7. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve with any remaining yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling to enhance the flavor.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
• For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• This recipe pairs well with a Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, yogurt marinated chicken, Mediterranean chicken, skillet chicken, easy Greek recipe