Name: Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise; ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

If you’re craving something juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner fast. The magic lies in the simple yogurt marinade that not only infuses the chicken with a zingy, herby taste but also works wonders to keep every bite moist and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unmatched tenderness: The yogurt’s natural enzymes gently break down the chicken, making it incredibly soft and juicy.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: With pantry staples like garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice, you create a flavor punch without any fuss.
Quick and fuss-free prep: Minimal effort is required—just marinate and cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer skillet, baking, or air frying, this recipe adapts beautifully to your kitchen style.

A white oval plate holds five grilled chicken pieces arranged in a slightly overlapping manner, each piece showing a golden-brown color with dark grill marks and sprinkled with green chopped herbs. Scattered among the chicken pieces are four lemon wedges adding a bright yellow color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the top left corner, there is a halved lemon. The overall look is warm and fresh with a rustic grilled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast, tender chicken marinade, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipes, juicy chicken breast

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe plays a vital role, from tenderizing the meat to layering flavor and delivering just the right hint of smokiness and brightness. The mixture is simple, but these ingredients combine to create a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts sliced lengthwise, a small bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, whole garlic cloves and some minced garlic scattered, fresh lemon wedges, a small pile of mixed dried Italian herbs, vivid smoked paprika powder, a mound of onion powder, and a drizzle of golden olive oil artfully placed alongside, all arranged neatly with some fresh black peppercorns sprinkled around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast, tender chicken marinade, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipes, juicy chicken breast

Chicken breasts: Slicing them lengthwise helps the marinade penetrate better and shortens cooking time.
Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt: Acts as the tenderizer and adds a tangy creaminess; choose plain to avoid unwanted sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic energizes the marinade with a robust, savory kick.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of yogurt perfectly.
Dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings an aromatic, garden-fresh complexity.
Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Olive oil: For cooking – it crisps the chicken just right while adding a subtle fruity flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Start by stirring together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade beautifully combines tanginess, savory herbs, and a hint of smoky spice that’s going to elevate your chicken tremendously.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the sliced chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each piece is well covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, but if you have the time, letting it chill overnight will amplify the tenderness and deepen the flavors. Patience here truly pays off!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and sear each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the exterior is perfectly golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Let it rest a few minutes for juicy perfection.

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe

The image shows five golden brown grilled chicken pieces arranged in a scattered layer on a large white oval plate with a ribbed edge. The chicken has a slightly shiny texture with visible char marks and is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Several lemon wedges, pale yellow with visible juice and texture, are placed between and on the edges of the chicken pieces. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a half lemon partially visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast, tender chicken marinade, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipes, juicy chicken breast

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint add a lovely burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra lemon juice right before serving can also brighten every bite and make your plate pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, fluffy basmati rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or carrots. For a cozy twist, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken thinly and layer it over warm pita bread with tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap, or dice it into grain bowls for a flavorful protein boost. Another fun idea is to skewer the marinated chicken and grill it for a colorful and crowd-pleasing kebab presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooked leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Slicing the chicken before storing makes it perfect for quick salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the leftover yogurt marinated chicken breasts for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers to preserve their flavor and moisture until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this chicken without drying it out is to warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or use a microwave on medium power until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep it juicy during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are perfect for their lean, tender qualities, you can use thighs or drumsticks just as well. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on thickness and cut.
Why is yogurt used in this marinade?

Yogurt contains lactic acid and enzymes that help tenderize the chicken, breaking down proteins gently to deliver a juicy, tender texture while also helping the marinade flavors soak in deeply.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than an hour?

While at least one hour is recommended to allow the flavors to infuse, you can marinate as little as 30 minutes if you’re pressed for time. However, longer marinating always yields better tenderness and taste.
Is it necessary to use plain yogurt?

Yes, plain yogurt is best for this recipe because it doesn’t add sweetness or extra flavors that could interfere with the marinade’s balance. Greek yogurt works great too, providing a thicker coating.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. Easy to make, full of flavor, and wonderfully versatile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises a delicious, satisfying meal every time.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe