This Greek yoghurt chicken marinade is a simple upgrade on a classic olive oil marinade. Thick yoghurt tenderises the chicken while Greek Seasoning adds layers of aromatic herbs, garlic and gentle spice. The result is juicy, flavour-packed chicken that works just as well on the barbecue as it does in the oven or pan.
Greek Yoghurt Chicken Marinade
To make this recipe an easy choice for everyday family meals or easy entertaining it uses our Greek Seasoning, a fragrant blend of herbs, spices, garlic and features lovely lemony sumac spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Yoghurt keeps the chicken tender, juicy and full of flavour
- Rich, savoury marinade that clings beautifully to the meat
- Balanced with lemon and herbs, not heavy or overpowering
- Ideal for BBQs and entertaining where reliability matters
- Can be prepped ahead for stress-free cooking
- Just as good for weeknights as it is for sharing with friends
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- chicken thighs or breast fillets
- thick Greek yoghurt
- olive oil
- Greek Seasoning
- lemon zest and juice
Method
Marinate
In a bowl, mix the yoghurt, Greek Seasoning, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. Add the chicken and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
Cook
Pan: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook until golden and cooked through.
Oven: Roast at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning once (35-40 minutes for bone-in chicken).
BBQ: Grill over medium heat until lightly charred and cooked through.
Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving ideas
- With flatbreads, cucumber, tomato and extra yoghurt
- Alongside roast potatoes or lemony vegetables
- Sliced into wraps or bowls with fresh herbs
- As an easy protein with salad for summer entertaining
Substitutions and variations
- Looking for a dairy-free option? Our Greek chicken marinade with olive oil is just as simple and versatile.
- Add crushed garlic for extra punch
- Stir through a spoonful of tahini for a richer marinade
- Works beautifully with tofu, cauliflower or mushrooms
- Prefer an easier, quicker marinade? Try our Easy Greek chicken marinade.*
* Which marinade should I choose?
Both marinades use the same Greek flavour base – the difference comes down to texture, timing and how you plan to cook.
Choose the Olive Oil Greek Chicken Marinade if:
- You want a lighter, fresher finish
- You’re cooking quickly on a hot pan or BBQ
- You prefer a dairy-free option
- You’re after a classic, everyday Greek flavour
- You want a marinade that works across chicken, veg or seafood
Choose the Greek Yoghurt Chicken Marinade if:
- You want extra-tender, juicy chicken
- You’re cooking for guests and want reliable results
- You like a slightly richer, more savoury coating
- You’re grilling or roasting and want flavour that really clings
Can’t decide? Try both. The olive oil version is perfect for quick meals, while the yoghurt marinade shines when you’ve got a little more time or want something extra special.
Why Greek Seasoning
Our Greek Seasoning (Spice Blend) is an aromatic blend of herbs and spices that builds flavour without overpowering. It contains garlic powder, basil, oregano, sumac, salt, rosemary, dill, parsley, marjoram, black pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Hand-crafted in Tasmania using all-natural ingredients, with no fillers or anti-caking agents.
FAQs
Why use yoghurt in a marinade?
Does Greek seasoning already contain salt?
Can this be cooked on the BBQ?
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian or plant-based cooking?
Is this marinade very tangy?
Have You Tried This Recipe?
If you whip up some greek yoghurt chicken marinade, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you make them for a special occasion or for a family meal? Did you cook it in the pan, oven or BBQ or even try it in an air fryer? Tell me in the comments below – I read every one – or give the recipe a rating.
And if you’re loving our Greek Seasoning, please consider leaving a quick review on the product page. Your feedback helps small businesses like mine thrive (and it will make my day too!).
Greek Yoghurt Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs or breast fillets
- ¾ cup thick Greek yoghurt
- 1-2 tbsp Greek Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the yoghurt, Greek Seasoning, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the chicken and coat well, making sure it’s fully covered in the marinade.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavour.
Cook:
- Pan: Cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Roast at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning once.
- BBQ: Grill over medium heat until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Rest briefly before serving.
Notes
Serving ideas
- With flatbreads, cucumber, tomato and extra yoghurt
- Alongside roast potatoes or lemony vegetables
- Sliced into wraps or bowls with fresh herbs
- As an easy protein for summer entertaining
Tips & variations
- Add crushed garlic for extra punch
- Stir through a spoonful of tahini for a richer marinade
- Works beautifully with tofu, cauliflower or mushrooms
