This Easy Chicken Marinade with Yogurt & Lemon is the secret to incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with minimal effort. A simple blend of plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated onion, tomato paste, and aromatic spices creates a rich, tangy marinade that works beautifully for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight meal or a weekend cookout, this marinade will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This marinade is not only easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients, but it also tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with layers of flavor. Yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down proteins gently and leaving the meat moist and succulent. The lemon juice adds brightness, while tomato paste and dried herbs give the chicken a warm, savory depth. Best of all, the recipe is versatile—perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or your next backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
plain yogurt
lemon juice
small onion, grated
tomato paste
dried mint
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
Directions
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the grated onion, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried mint, and salt to the bowl.
- Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add the plain yogurt.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- When ready to cook, choose your method:
- Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Pan-Sear: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour minimum
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 240 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Fresh Herbs: Include chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill for a fresh, herbal note.
- Spicy Option: Mix in chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or harissa for a kick of heat.
- Creamier Version: Add an extra spoonful of yogurt for an even richer marinade.
- Mediterranean Flair: Include a teaspoon of sumac or a dash of cinnamon for added depth.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Use the marinade on tofu or vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store marinated raw chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
Why use yogurt in the marinade?
Yogurt tenderizes the meat without making it mushy and adds creaminess that helps flavor cling to the chicken.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds extra creaminess. Thin it with a splash of water or lemon juice if too thick.
Is this marinade good for grilling?
Absolutely. The yogurt helps prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill while promoting a flavorful char.
Can I use chicken with skin?
Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken can be used. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, flatbread, or a crisp cucumber salad.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour is needed, but up to 24 hours provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I bake the chicken with the marinade?
Yes, bake the chicken with any remaining marinade in the dish to keep it moist. Discard excess if grilling or pan-searing.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well with low-carb or high-protein diets.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, marinate ahead and store in the fridge or freeze for future use.
What if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can substitute with a bit of ketchup or skip it, though the flavor may be slightly less rich.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Marinade with Yogurt & Lemon is a flavorful, foolproof way to elevate your chicken dinners. The combination of yogurt, lemon, and herbs creates juicy, tender meat that’s delicious no matter how you cook it. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or summer grilling, this versatile marinade delivers consistent results with minimal effort. Let it become a staple in your kitchen for effortless flavor and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Print
Easy Chicken Marinade with Yogurt & Lemon
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Marinade with Yogurt & Lemon delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Featuring a blend of plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated onion, tomato paste, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. A fuss-free marinade ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or healthy family meals.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1/2 cup plain yogurt
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 small onion, grated
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried mint
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Place chicken in a large mixing bowl.
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Add grated onion, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried mint, and salt.
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Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
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Add yogurt and mix until chicken is thoroughly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Cook using your preferred method:
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Grill: until golden and cooked through.
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Bake: at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
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Pan-sear: until chicken is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Notes
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Works great with chicken thighs for juicier results.
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Excellent base for wraps, bowls, or salads.
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Leftovers keep well—perfect for lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour+
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern-Inspired
