Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, the marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with Mediterranean herbs and a tangy zest, making it an ideal dish for a healthy, savory meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a better marinade absorption and improved grilling results. Set the thighs aside.
- Make and Apply Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade thoroughly so each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a temperature of 400°F (204°C), preparing for direct high-heat cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down directly onto the grill grates. Discard any remaining marinade left in the bowl for food safety. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping the chicken once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep the grill lid closed during cooking to maintain heat and smoke for flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for at least five minutes, covered loosely with foil if possible. This resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender chicken ready to be served.
Notes
- Marinating longer, up to overnight, enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest marinade effect.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil it in the oven, adjusting time accordingly.
- Discard leftover marinade that was in contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
