Grilled Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

4.7
(214)

This Greek yogurt chicken marinade infused with lemon is perfect for chicken. There is something special about what yogurt does to chicken in its smoky, sizzling time over charcoal. It imparts a tanginess that enhances all the other flavors and grills to a caramelized dark brown without tasting burnt.

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A plate of grilled lemon yogurt chicken, served with a lemon wedge
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • ½ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

  • ½ lemon, juiced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 (5 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

  • 1 pinch salt

Yogurt Sauce:

  • ½ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon harissa

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make grilled lemon yogurt chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, paprika, herbes de Provence, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.

    A bowl of seasoned lemon garlic sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken; stir to coat. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

    A large zip top bag with chicken in garlic lemon yogurt marinade

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Make sauce: Stir together yogurt, lemon juice, and harissa in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.

    A small bowl of yogurt-lemon-harissa sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Remove chicken to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels; discard marinade. Pat chicken dry with more paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt.

    A paper towel-lined baking sheet with marinated chicken being sprinkled with salt

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Grill chicken, skin-side down, on the preheated grill for 2 minutes. Turn over each piece and move to indirect heat.

    A grilled pan with lemon yogurt marinated chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Continue grilling, turning often, with the lid down until well browned and meat is no longer pink in the center, 30 to 35 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    A grilled pan with grilled lemon yogurt chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve chicken with sauce on the side.

    A plate of grilled lemon yogurt chicken, served with a lemon wedge

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Chef's Note

If your store doesn't carry harissa sauce, you can make your own with my recipe.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of marinade ingredients. The actual amount of marinade consumed will vary.

362 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

523 Calories
30g Fat
6g Carbs
55g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 523
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g 38%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 169mg 56%
Sodium 590mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 55g 110%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 117mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 507mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.