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Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe

By Holly Darnell, RD

May 24, 2022

One of the great summer cuisines is Greek food, with its connection to the Mediterranean diet and flavorful dishes with fresh herbs, olive oil and healthy proteins. 

Wow your family and guests with this Greek marinade to be used for your choice of protein, such as chicken, lamb or even tofu. The most common choice in Greek cuisine for this type of marinade is chicken and can include any kind of chicken meat, including bone-in or boneless chicken breast or thighs, or also chicken legs. In fact, you can also call this recipe a Greek yogurt chicken marinade as well.

Key Ingredients

Greek yogurt: Although all milk products provide some protein, the way in which Greek yogurt is made makes it especially high in protein. Depending on the particular brand, one cup of Greek yogurt can contain between 17 and 24 grams of protein

Fresh herbs: Parsley, rosemary and thyme may sound like a Simon & Garfunkel tune, but they're also well known herbs that battle inflammation and house many antioxidants. Parsley, for example, possesses impressive active compounds, including phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids and ascorbic acid.

Olive oil: Real, high-quality extra virgin olive oil has well-researched anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants that fight free radicals and numerous heart-healthy macronutrients.

Garlic: Garlic contains countless vital nutrients — flavonoids, oligosaccharides, amino acids, allicin and high levels of sulfur — and eating it regularly has been proven to provide many health benefits.

Lemons: Lemons add a zip of flavor to recipes and are loved for their delicious fragrance and aroma, but they also are full of antioxidants. 

Herbal Cider Vinegar: This first-of-its-kind formula combines apple cider vinegar with over 10 organic, regenerative superfood ingredients, most of which are grown on our own organic, regenerative farmland. 

How to Make A Greek Marinade

First, chop up the garlic, and then the herbs. Add to a mixing bowl along with the salt, pepper, olive oil and Greek yogurt. Strain a fresh lemon for the lemon juice, and then add to the bowl along with the Herbal Cider Vinegar. Mix until well combined.Add your protein of choice (chicken, lamb, tofu, etc.) to the bowl and allow to marinate for at least six hours or up to overnight. Most commonly this Greek marinade is used for chicken, as Greek yogurt doesn't just flavor the chicken but also helps tenderize the meat, keeping it juicy. 

Happily prepare after the marinade time. Grilling is the most common way of cooking. Add to a Greek salad or on a plate with cooked veggies and rice.