3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken: The Easiest Juicy Chicken You’ll Ever Make

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, bland chicken, this 3-ingredient yogurt marinated chicken recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, this recipe delivers unbelievably juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. It’s one of those simple, reliable dishes that busy home cooks swear by—and for good reason.

Yogurt has been used as a marinade for centuries across many cultures, from Middle Eastern shawarma to Indian tandoori chicken. Its natural acidity gently tenderizes meat without making it mushy, while its creamy texture helps seasonings cling beautifully to every bite. The result? Chicken that’s moist on the inside, lightly caramelized on the outside, and packed with subtle tangy flavor.

What makes this version extra special is its simplicity. No long ingredient list. No complicated techniques. Just three basic ingredients, a little patience while it marinates, and a quick cook. Whether you bake it, grill it, or pan-sear it, this yogurt-marinated chicken adapts effortlessly to your schedule and cooking style.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, healthy eating plans, and even entertaining. Dress it up with sides for guests or keep it simple for a cozy family meal. Either way, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—exactly what modern home cooking is all about.

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Why Yogurt Makes the Best Chicken Marinade

Unlike vinegar- or citrus-based marinades that can sometimes overpower meat, yogurt works gently. The lactic acid in yogurt breaks down proteins slowly, resulting in tender chicken without toughness. At the same time, yogurt creates a protective coating that locks in moisture during cooking.

Another benefit? Yogurt carries flavor exceptionally well. Even with just salt and spices, it infuses the chicken deeply, making every bite taste seasoned—not just the surface.

Greek yogurt or thick plain yogurt works best here, but regular plain yogurt also does the job. Just be sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (or favorite spice blend)

That’s it. Truly. Three ingredients, endless possibilities.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt and salt (or spice blend). Mix until smooth and evenly seasoned.
2. Coat the Chicken
   Add the chicken to the bowl and turn until every piece is fully coated in the yogurt mixture.
3. Marinate
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4–12 hours.
4. Bring to Room Temperature
   Remove the chicken from the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken
   Choose your preferred cooking method:
   • Bake: 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes
   • Grill: Medium-high heat, 5–7 minutes per side
   • Pan-Seer: Medium heat, 6–8 minutes per side
6. Rest and Serve
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

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Tips for Perfect Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Don’t skip the rest time: Letting chicken rest after cooking helps redistribute juices.
• Use thighs for extra juiciness: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and incredibly flavorful.
• Shake off excess yogurt: Too much yogurt can burn during high-heat cooking.
• Marinate overnight for meal prep: The flavor improves with time.

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Easy Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is:

• Garlic Yogurt Chicken: Add grated garlic to the marinade
• Lemon Yogurt Chicken: Add lemon zest before cooking
• Spiced Yogurt Chicken: Use paprika, cumin, or curry powder
• Herb Yogurt Chicken: Stir in dried oregano or thyme

Each variation still keeps the base simple while changing the flavor profile completely.

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Serving Suggestions

This 3-ingredient yogurt marinated chicken pairs beautifully with almost anything:

• Fluffy rice or quinoa
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh salads
• Warm flatbread or pita
• Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce

Slice it for wraps, chop it for salads, or serve whole for a classic dinner plate.

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Meal Prep & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked portions up to 2 months
• Reheating: Gently reheat to avoid drying out

This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and weekly meal prep.

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Cultural Inspiration & Fun Fact

Yogurt-based marinades date back thousands of years and are common in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines. Before refrigeration, yogurt helped preserve meat while enhancing flavor—proof that simple techniques stand the test of time.

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Final Thoughts

When a recipe is this simple and this reliable, it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. This 3-ingredient yogurt marinated chicken proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create incredible food. Just a smart technique, quality basics, and a little patience.

Once you try it, you’ll come back to it again and again