Description
This Greek Marinated Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and traditional Mediterranean spices. Perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking, this dish offers a tender, tangy, and aromatic experience, making it an ideal meal for a healthy and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredient
- 3 large chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, dried basil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well mixed to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the yogurt marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Cook on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch carefully because the yogurt can burn if exposed to too high heat. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or cook it on the stovetop in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, then serve hot. This chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh Greek salad, pita bread, or rice.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is essential for maximum flavor and tenderness; however, do not exceed 3 hours to prevent the yogurt from breaking down the meat excessively.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- If grilling, keep an eye on the chicken since yogurt can burn quickly at high heat; opt for medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for oven or stovetop cooking, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
