If you’re looking for a chicken dish that bursts with flavor, silky tenderness, and a touch of brightness, this Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Thanks to the creamy tang of Greek yogurt and a fresh blend of herbs and lemon, these chicken thighs come out juicy and beautifully golden every single time. It’s an easy, fuss-free dish that feels both comforting and a little indulgent—the perfect meal to share with family or impress weekend guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward but each plays a crucial role: the yogurt tenderizes and infuses moisture, herbs bring freshness, and a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up. Together, they create a marinade that’s simple yet remarkably effective.
- Bone-in chicken thighs (2 pounds): Choosing bone-in ensures juicy meat and extra flavor while cooking.
- Greek yogurt (5.3 ounces): Acts as the creamy, tangy base that tenderizes chicken beautifully.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Helps keep the chicken moist and promotes a golden crust.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a bright, herbal note that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Fresh thyme (1 1/2 teaspoons, chopped): Adds earthy depth and a subtle savory aroma.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle hint of savory warmth without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of spice for balance.
- Extra lemon wedges and parsley for garnish: To make the presentation pop and add freshness as you eat.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large glass or plastic bowl. Add the bone-in chicken thighs and turn them until each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. This mixture not only infuses incredible flavor but works to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have time, let it marinate up to 24 hours to let those flavors deepen.
Step 2: Baking or Grilling the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat your grill to medium-high. If baking, lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken thighs with space in between to ensure even cooking and browning. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until beautifully golden and cooked through with an internal temperature reaching 162°F (72°C). For grilling, oil the grill grates and cook thighs for 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for the same lovely golden finish and proper doneness. Either method produces deliciously tender chicken with crisped edges thanks to the yogurt marinade.
Step 3: Resting and Serving
Once out of the oven or off the grill, let the chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the internal temperature to reach the safe 165°F (74°C) and lets the juices redistribute inside the meat. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a vibrant, inviting finish before serving. This simple rest elevates the tenderness and ensures every bite bursts with juicy goodness.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon wedges add a lively zing when squeezed onto the chicken just before eating, and sprinkling chopped parsley on top brings both a pop of green color and a refreshing herbal note. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil if you want an extra silky finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or herbed rice to soak up the yogurt-infused juices. For a veggie boost, roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers complement the herbaceous flavors perfectly. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the chicken on a wooden board alongside bowls of sides and garnishes so everyone can customize their plates. For something more elegant, plate individual chicken thighs on a bed of garlic lemon rice, topped with microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the presentation. You can even roll the cooked chicken into pita bread with tzatziki for a luscious Greek-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken with a little of the marinade or pan juices helps maintain moisture and flavor when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cooked chicken stays good for up to 2 months. To freeze before cooking, marinate the chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it directly, then thaw completely in the fridge before cooking as instructed.
Reheating
For best results reheating, warm the chicken gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, turning frequently, to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but they are leaner and cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. Marinate for shorter times and reduce cooking time accordingly.
Why use Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt acts as a tenderizing agent while adding tangy flavor and moisture. Its thick texture helps the marinade cling to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful and juicy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate for at least 15 minutes up to 24 hours. Longer marinating allows flavors to penetrate deeper and results in even more tender chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Yes! Grilling works beautifully here and adds a lovely smokiness and char to the chicken. Just watch the cooking times carefully to prevent flare-ups and overcooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This particular recipe relies on Greek yogurt for tenderness and flavor, but you could experiment with dairy-free yogurt alternatives. Keep in mind flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe has become a true favorite for good reason: it’s simple, flavorful, and produces tender, satisfying results every time. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, it’s a versatile recipe that promises a crowd-pleasing dish. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes too!
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Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time up to 24 hours)
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (baking) or 8-10 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Yogurt Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a zesty and savory taste. You can either bake or grill the chicken to golden perfection, making it a versatile and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 5–6 thighs)
- 5.3-ounce container Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or half for a milder flavor)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley + extra for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Extra lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a large glass or plastic bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the mixture and coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Bake or grill: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or heat your grill to medium-high. If baking, grease a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If grilling, grease the grill grates and place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 162°F (72°C).
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes so the internal temperature can rise to 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 15 minutes, up to 24 hours, will yield more flavorful and tender chicken.
- You can opt to bake or grill depending on your preferred cooking method or available equipment.
- Bone-in thighs help retain moisture and flavor better than boneless chicken.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for milder or stronger citrus notes.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; they make great salads or wraps.
