Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy yogurt and lemon mixture, infused with garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until fully blended to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the sour yogurt and lemon to tenderize the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain greek yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sour Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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