Marinated Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This recipe can be made in the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or grill.
• A healthy dinner recipe that is protein-packed, low-fat, gluten-free, and keto.
• Super easy meal prep recipe for dinner or lunch!
• Tons of uses! Can be used in quinoa bowls, wraps, gyros, pitas, souvlaki, salads, pasta, or as a main dish.
• Juicy and tender meat!
• Serve with tortellini pesto pasta salad!
• Full of fresh and tangy lemon, herb, and garlic flavors.
• Kid-friendly just like my crispy breaded chicken breast!

Ingredients for Making Greek Yogurt Chicken

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

This Greek yogurt chicken recipe uses boneless, skinless breasts for this recipe. Try the Greek chicken marinade on your favorite cut of chicken like quarters, thighs, wings, or even drumsticks.

Creamy, plain Greek-style yogurts like Chobani or FAGE contain lactic acid to make the meat tender, juicy, and moist.

Lemon juice and red wine vinegar give a great tangy and fresh flavor.

Make your own Greek seasoning with oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper. I used a store-bought Tzatziki Greek seasoning blend.

How to Marinate Chicken in Greek Yogurt

Before you cook this chicken on the grill, in the air fryer, or in the oven, a quick marinade with impart more flavor and great tender meat. Refer to the recipe card for more instructions and exact measurements.

Step 1

Trim meat of fat and butterfly or pound to ¼ inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Add meat and seasonings to a large Ziploc bag.

Step 3

Add in olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, and Greek yogurt.

Step 4

Seal the Ziploc bag and then massage the meat from the outside of the bag until it is fully and evenly coated and covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours before cooking.

What Does Marinating Chicken in Greek Yogurt Do?

Marinating chicken in Greek yogurt helps to create tender meat, impart flavor, and create a moist and juicy texture.

The lactic acid in Greek yogurt helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it even more tender. Additionally, the yogurt creates a slightly creamy texture on the outside of the chicken, which is balanced by the crispy texture from cooking.

This yogurt chicken marinade creates a moist texture and tangy and slightly tart flavor. The combination of seasoning and yogurt gives a slightly cheesy taste that gives great flavor.

How to Grill (Outdoor Grill)

1. Spray a grill pan with cooking spray. If using the grill, you MUST use a grill pan otherwise the meat will stick to the grates and the Greek yogurt may burn.
2. Heat grill to medium heat and cook chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping once (approximately 6 minutes per side.). Temp meat to 165F to ensure it is done.

How to Cook in the Air Fryer

1. Add prepared meat to an air fryer. Cook at 380F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Temp chicken to 165F to ensure doneness.

Oven Instructions

1. Bake prepared meat in a casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray at 400F for 20-25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165F.

How to Cook on the Stovetop or Indoor Grill

1. Use a prepared grill pan or a cast iron skillet to cook meat over medium heat on the stove. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once. Temp meat to 165F to ensure it is done.

Expert Tips

• Don't reuse the marinade! Discard the Greek chicken marinade after removing the chicken to avoid food contamination.
• Equal thickness ensures even cooking. Butterfly meat or pound to equal thickness to ensure proper and even cooking.
• Do not overcook. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meat cooks to 165F.
• Rest is key for juicy meat! Allow meat to rest after being grilled to let juices sink in and avoid drying out.

How to Store, Freeze, and Make-Ahead

Make ahead: Marinade may be made ahead for up to 24 hours prior to making.

Storage: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If possible, leave meat breasts unsliced to maintain juiciness.

Freezer: Freeze marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Greek Yogurt Chicken

Side dish ideas like whole30 mashed potatoes, crispy green beans with garlic,

Use in a quinoa bowl with quinoa or in a salad.

This recipe also works very well when grilling kebabs on skewers and serving them in a grilled pizza, pita, or flatbread similar to traditional Greek gyros or souvlaki.

You could also use this recipe in a pasta dish using ziti, noodles, or even zoodles. Topping zucchini boats with this chicken would be absolutely delicious!

Serve with dill sauce with yogurt or store-bought tzatziki dipping sauce.