3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken – The Juiciest Chicken You’ll Ever Make

Some of the best recipes are born out of simplicity, and this 3-ingredient yogurt marinated chicken is a perfect example. It’s the kind of dish you throw together on a busy day, almost casually, only to be completely surprised by how tender, flavorful, and downright delicious it turns out. No long ingredient list, no complicated prep—just a few pantry staples working together in the best possible way.

Yogurt is a quiet miracle ingredient when it comes to chicken. Its natural acidity gently tenderizes the meat while keeping it incredibly moist. Unlike harsher marinades, yogurt doesn’t dry the chicken out or overpower it. Instead, it creates a soft, velvety coating that locks in juices and adds a subtle tang that tastes comforting and clean.

This recipe is all about letting the chicken shine. With just yogurt, seasoning, and chicken itself, the flavors stay balanced and versatile. You can grill it, bake it, or pan-sear it, and it pairs beautifully with just about anything—rice, salad, roasted vegetables, or warm flatbread. It’s the kind of base recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

What makes this dish especially lovable is how forgiving it is. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight—it works either way. Use thighs or breasts, cook indoors or out, dress it up with sauces or keep it simple with lemon and herbs. No matter how you serve it, the result is juicy, tender chicken that feels like it took far more effort than it actually did.

If you’re ever stuck wondering what to make for dinner with minimal ingredients and maximum payoff, this is the recipe you reach for.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt (or favorite seasoning blend)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt and salt until smooth.
2. Add chicken and toss until fully coated in the yogurt mixture.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Remove excess yogurt from chicken and discard marinade.
6. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or bake for 25–30 minutes, until cooked through.
7. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use whole-milk yogurt for best flavor and texture.
• Scrape off excess marinade before cooking to avoid burning.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

Variations:

• Add garlic powder or paprika to the yogurt for extra flavor.
• Finish with lemon juice or fresh herbs after cooking.
• Use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm pita.
• Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables.
• Slice leftovers for wraps or grain bowls.

Storage Information:
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

FAQ:
Can I use non-dairy yogurt?
Yes, unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt works, though flavor will vary slightly.

Does longer marinating make it better?
Yes, but even 30 minutes delivers juicy results.

History / Fun Facts:
Yogurt-based marinades have been used for centuries across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines, prized for their ability to tenderize meat while adding subtle flavor.