Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices. The chicken is perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, making it a healthy and delicious meal option ideal for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
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
- Pat and Prepare Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring better marinade adherence and grilling results. Set aside.
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced shallot, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Add the chicken thighs into the bowl and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor infusion.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high heat setting at 400°F (204°C), preparing it for direct grilling.
- Grill Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs onto the grill, smooth side down. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid flare-ups. Grill the chicken directly over the heat for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping the thighs halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep the grill lid closed between flips to maintain consistent heat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for at least five minutes. Cover with foil if possible to keep warm and allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the chicken further.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest marinade; low-fat versions can affect texture.
- Discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Adjust grilling time based on the size and thickness of chicken thighs to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Serve with fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
