How to Marinate Chicken With Yogurt

Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Ellen Christian

Have you ever wondered how to marinate chicken with yogurt? My father loves to grill, so when we were invited over for dinner, I offered to bring the chicken. Everyone loves grilled chicken especially when I make it with my special yogurt marinade.

Marinate Chicken With Yogurt

We love grilling outside as the weather warms up. And, as we start getting the grill ready for the new season, my husband always asks that I marinate the chicken with yogurt rather than other types of marinades. 

What does marinating chicken in yogurt do?

Yogurt is often chosen as a marinade because it helps tenderize the meat so much better than store-bought marinades. Using Greek yogurt gives this dish an amazing richness and flavor when you grill it. Look for whole milk, plain, Greek yogurt when you shop.

I generally marinate it for about two hours before we’re planning on grilling. But, you could marinate chicken in yogurt overnight as long as you keep it in the refrigerator.

How do you marinate with yogurt?

You can simply marinate the chicken in plain yogurt or Greek yogurt in the refrigerator. Or, if you want to, you can add a bit of orange or lemon juice to thin the yogurt first. Then, add whatever types of seasonings you normally like on your grilled chicken. You can also add in some minced garlic or onion if you like.

What type of chicken should I use?

You can make yogurt marinated chicken thighs or yogurt marinated chicken kebabs. This recipe works wonderfully either way. You could even use this yogurt marinade for beef. Or, you can bake the chicken rather than grill it.

I buy my O Organics® and Open Nature® products at my local Shaw’s, and you can also find them exclusively at all Albertson’s Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Safeway, United Express, United and Carrs/Safeway.

I love the quality and affordability of these products. And, I love that Shaws believes in making their organic products affordable so everyone can enjoy them.

Open Nature® offers premium grass-fed, free-range, and natural beef that is vegetarian fed and free of antibiotics or added hormones. It’s a key ingredient for the perfect grilling entrée.

The O Organics® line, available in Vermont exclusively at Shaw’s stores, offers USDA certified organic chicken and beef, perfect to use as the base for a variety of meals, especially simple weeknight dinners that work for the whole family.

What should I serve with chicken?

If you’re looking for an easy summer side dish, my Quinoa Salad Recipe is always popular. Or, if you want something quick, my Fancy Fruit Salad is easy to prepare. These Roasted Parmesan Garlic Potatoes are an easy side dish when you will be using the oven. Or, why not make potato salad.

To try my chicken marinated with yogurt and spices, stop by Shaws for all your supplies. Visit Shaws.com to find a store near you and discover more meal prep tips and recipe ideas.

Tips for easy clean up

I marinated ours in a 9 x 13 glass pan. But, if you prefer you can put all of the ingredients and the chicken in a plastic bag as well. It makes it easier to clean up.

More recipes

Now that you know how to marinate chicken with yogurt, why not try a few of these recipes.

• How to inject flavor in a turkey
• Grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables
• Buffalo chicken chaffles
• Healthy chicken parmesan recipe
• Mandarin orange chicken
• Best roast beef for a sandwich
• Learn more about National Chili Dog Day

Continue to Content

Yield: 6

How to Marinate Chicken With Yogurt for the Grill

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Learn how to marinate chicken with yogurt for the grill or oven

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients

• Open Nature® or O Organics® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the topping:

• 2 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 red bell pepper
• salt
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Whisk the yogurt, ginger, cumin, chili flakes, and salt in a bowl.
   
2. Pour it into a baking dish
   
3. Place the chicken breasts on the yogurt mixture.
   
4. Cover and refrigerate.
   
5. Remove from the yogurt and grill until done.
   
6. Using a mortar and pestle, grinder the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and chili flakes.
   
7. Add the paprika and salt and mix.
   
8. Add the finely chopped red bell pepper.
   
9. Blend with the olive oil.
   
10. Top the grilled chicken and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see @ellenblogs

Ellen Christian

Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.