Name: Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 88 reviews

If you love juicy, flavorful chicken that’s tender and full of zest, the Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. This recipe uses the magic of creamy Greek yogurt combined with fresh herbs and aromatic spices to infuse the chicken with incredible moisture and a tangy brightness. Marinating the thighs overnight allows every bite to burst with flavor, and grilling adds that perfect smoky char that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a backyard barbecue, this dish promises unforgettable results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl lined with crinkled light brown parchment paper holds a stack of raw chicken thighs with a pale pink color and smooth texture, layered unevenly. To the top left, there is a light orange shallot, and above the chicken, a small pink scalloped dish filled with dried green herbs. To the right, a white bowl is divided into three sections showing black pepper, bright red paprika, and white salt. At the bottom left, a whole yellow lemon sits beside a white bowl containing two pale yellow blocks of grated cheese. To the bottom right, a clear cup is filled with white yogurt, marked 1 cup on the handle, and a bunch of fresh green dill sprigs are placed next to it, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a folded dusty rose cloth near the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is half the fun because each one plays a vital role in building the amazing flavors and textures in this dish. From the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the bright kick from fresh lemon and herbs, these components come together beautifully.

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless work best for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Greek yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt makes the marinade creamy and helps tenderize the chicken perfectly.
Fresh dill: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the lemon and garlic wonderfully.
Shallot: Minced for subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor that enhances the marinade.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a robust aromatic punch that’s impossible to resist.
Lemon: Both juice and zest provide brightness and a touch of acidity to balance richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor in the dish.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that ties together the flavor profile perfectly.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with some paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling better and ensures a nice sear on the grill. Set the thighs aside while you mix up the marinade.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade and Coat the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, fresh dill sprigs, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Give it a good stir so all those flavors blend into a luscious marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them well, making sure each piece is fully coated with the creamy mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best depth of flavor, marinate overnight.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Bring your grill up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A properly heated grill will give you that perfect grilling effect with lovely grill marks and smoky flavor while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Thighs

Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and place them smooth-side down on the grill grates. Remember, don’t reuse leftover marinade to avoid any cross-contamination. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook evenly on both sides. Close the grill lid while cooking to trap the heat and ensure thorough cooking.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat for maximum tenderness and flavor. If you like, tent the chicken with foil to keep it warm as you prepare your sides.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

The left side shows a clear glass bowl filled with light pink marinated chicken pieces covered in a creamy sauce with visible herbs. Around the bowl are small white bowls containing a yellow liquid, a small amount of red powder, and a white powder on a white marbled surface. The right side shows several pieces of grilled chicken on a dark grill grate, with golden brown and black grill marks, some parts slightly charred and smoky. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with fresh garnishes elevates the dish instantly. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top, and perhaps a little extra lemon zest for a fresh aroma. A drizzle of olive oil or a few crumbled feta cheese pieces can bring both richness and a burst of Mediterranean flair.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to keep your meal balanced and interesting. Think crisp Greek salad with cucumber and tomatoes, creamy tzatziki sauce, grilled veggies, or even some fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs. Roasted potatoes or a simple pilaf are also great companions that soak up all the juicy flavors from the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get creative by serving the chicken in pita pockets stuffed with fresh veggies and a dollop of tzatziki for a fun handheld meal. Alternatively, slice the grilled thighs and arrange them over a bed of mixed greens or grains for a colorful, healthy bowl. This versatility makes the Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe perfect for casual meals and special occasions alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken remains moist and flavorful, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover grilled chicken thighs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps retain moisture better than microwaving, which can sometimes dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which helps the marinade cling better and tenderize the meat more effectively. Regular yogurt is thinner and may not yield the same texture or flavor intensity, but you could try straining it to thicken before using.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While marinating for at least one hour does add good flavor, leaving the chicken in the marinade overnight deepens the taste and results in even more tender meat. It’s definitely worth the wait if you have the time.

Can I cook this chicken in the oven instead of a grill?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Broiling at the end for a couple of minutes can mimic the charred finish from the grill.

What if I prefer skin-on chicken thighs?

You can use skin-on thighs, but you may want to grill skin-side down first to render the fat and crisp up the skin. Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid burning the skin while ensuring the inside cooks fully.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when piercing the thickest part of the thigh.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the combination of creamy Greek yogurt marinade, fresh herbs, and smoky grilled chicken to create a dish that feels both comforting and vibrant. This Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe is easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need