If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook chicken that stays tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, then marinating your chicken with yogurt is the answer. This simple marinade technique is one of the best-kept secrets in meal prepping—and it’s the foundation for multiple dinners in this week’s easy, family-friendly meal plan.
Whether you’re baking it in the oven, throwing it on the grill, or crisping it up in the air fryer, this flavorful chicken recipe is the key to stress-free weeknight dinners.
A Full Week of Meals
This yogurt marinated chicken isn’t just a standalone recipe—it’s part of a complete Dinner Squad meal plan that helps you get dinner on the table faster without sacrificing flavor.
By preparing this chicken (plus a few other sides and condiments) in advance, you can have multiple meals ready in just minutes throughout the week, including:
This smart approach to meal prep lets you cook once and eat well all week long. For the full plan—including a grocery list, step-by-step prep guide, and additional recipes—join the Dinner Squad here.
Why Yogurt Is the Secret to Juicy Chicken
Yogurt is a powerful natural tenderizer. Thanks to its lactic acid, it gently breaks down the proteins in the meat, resulting in chicken that’s incredibly moist and flavorful—never rubbery or dry.
Unlike acidic marinades made with lemon juice or vinegar alone, yogurt works slowly and evenly. It also creates a creamy base that holds spices and seasonings beautifully, coating every inch of the chicken with bold, delicious flavor.
Part of a Full Meal Plan
This recipe is part of a week long meal plan available to Dinner Squad members. We prep ingredients like this yogurt marinated chicken on Sunday to be incorporated into multiple dishes throughout the week.
Join the Dinner Squad to receive a full prep guide that breaks down what to make and when, so dinner is just minutes away each night.
What you’ll get by joining:
- A full week-long meal plan
- Printable grocery list
- Step-by-step prep strategy
- Bonus content and recipes
- Monthly giveaways and more!
Most importantly, you’ll save time, reduce decision fatigue, and actually look forward to making dinner.
Ingredients for Yogurt Marinated Chicken
To make this easy chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like to remove the tenderloins from the chicken breasts and cook them separately as skewers. My kids especially love to eat their chicken this way. You can also use chicken thighs for this recipe in place of breasts.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to achieving perfectly tender chicken
- Fresh lemon juice for brightness and freshness (you can also use store bought lemon juice)
- Olive oil for richness and moisture retention
- Minced garlic: An essential aromatic for any good marinade
- A blend of dried spices: This recipe uses paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Feel free to use a variety of spices based on your preference. Cumin, ground coriander, thyme, and Zaatar are other great options.
Each ingredient plays a role in creating juicy, flavorful chicken that works in a variety of meals. Change up the seasonings based on your desired flavor profile.
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
1. Mix the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all of your seasonings until smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight—to lock in the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken
Oven Method:
Place the oven in a single layer in an oven-safe pan and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Air Fryer Method:
Space the chicken apart in a single layer and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Easy Meals You Can Make With Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked, you can repurpose it throughout the week in a variety of ways:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers over Rice: Skewer the marinated tenderloins then air fry or grill for a few minutes and serve with tzatziki sauce. Get the recipe →
- Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki: Warm up the chicken and serve in a pita with homemade tzatziki, fresh veggies, and feta cheese. Get the recipe →
- Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Add chicken to a bed of rice and a drizzle of sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal. Get the recipe →
These ideas are just the start. With this one batch of chicken, the possibilities are endless.
Meal Prep Tips for Success
- Make a big batch on Sunday to use throughout the week.
- Store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze extras for later use—just slice before freezing so they reheat more quickly.
- Double the marinade if you want to use it on other proteins like salmon or tofu.
Why This Chicken Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Between work, kids, and everyday chaos, finding time to serve up a home cooked meal can seem daunting. That’s why this yogurt marinated chicken is such a staple—it’s:
- High in protein
- Versatile enough for multiple cuisines
- Kid-friendly
- Perfect for weekly meal planning
- Packed with flavor without being spicy
Whether you’re making chicken gyros, skewers, or a simple rice bowl, this is one of those no-fail recipes that will have you saying “yes” to leftovers.
Make this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Today!
Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it, or let me know your thoughts and comments below!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Equipment
- Large bowl with lid or plastic wrap to cover
- baking pan
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to a large bowl along with the rest of the ingredients. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
TO BAKE THE CHICKEN:
- Space the chicken apart in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
TO AIR FRY THE CHICKEN:
- Space the chicken apart in a single layer and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
