Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe with Yogurt (Mediterranean Style)

If you are looking for a dish that perfectly captures the essence of coastal dining, look no further. This Lemon Garlic Yogurt Chicken is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired meal: it’s bright, garlicky, and incredibly tender thanks to a traditional yogurt marinade. Whether you are a seasoned pro at Easy Mediterranean Recipes or just starting your journey into the Mediterranean Diet, this recipe is a weeknight game-changer.

Imagine golden, pan-seared chicken breast nestled atop a cloud of creamy, tahini-infused yogurt sauce, finished with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It is light enough for a summer lunch but satisfying enough for a cozy dinner.

2. Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Yogurt Chicken

There is a reason yogurt marinated chicken is a staple from Greece to the Levant. Here is why this specific version will become a permanent fixture in your rotation:

• Quick Stovetop Method: No need to wait for the oven; this goes from pan to plate in minutes.
• Pantry Staples: Uses simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
• Naturally High-Protein: A lean, healthy lemon garlic chicken option that keeps you full.
• Pro-Level Texture: The lactic acid in the yogurt breaks down protein fibers, ensuring the chicken never turns out rubbery.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The flavors actually deepen the next day, making it perfect for grain bowls.
• No Heavy Cream: We achieve a luscious, “creamy” result using Greek yogurt and tahini, keeping it light and heart-healthy.

3. What Makes This Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe Mediterranean-Style?

In Mediterranean cuisine, the secret isn’t complexity; it’s the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors.

1. The Fat: We rely on heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil rather than butter or seed oils.
2. The Acid: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a “high note” that cuts through the richness of the meat.
3. The “Cream”: Instead of heavy dairy creams, we use Greek yogurt. This adds a signature tang and a boost of probiotics.
4. The Aromatics: Garlic isn’t just a seasoning here; it’s a primary building block of the dish’s soul.
5. The Tahini: We’ve added a splash of sesame tahini to the sauce to provide a nutty depth typical of Eastern Mediterranean cooking.

4. Lemon Garlic Chicken Ingredients Overview

4.1 Chicken Marinade Ingredients

To create the best lemon garlic chicken marinade, you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast or Tenderloins: These lean cuts soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: The fat content is crucial for protecting the chicken from the high heat of the skillet.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Acts as a secondary tenderizer.
• Garlic: Crushed or finely minced to permeate the meat.
• Olive Oil: Helps with the “Maillard reaction” (that beautiful golden browning).

4.2 Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce Ingredients

This sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on a Mezze Platter Recipe.

• Greek Yogurt: The base of our sauce.
• Tahini: This is the “secret ingredient” that makes the sauce feel rich and professional.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For silkiness.
• Water: Just a splash to reach your desired consistency.

4.3 Garnish Ingredients

Don’t skip the finish! Fresh parsley adds an earthy bitterness that balances the lemon, while extra lemon wedges allow guests to customize their acidity level.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions For Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

5.1 Marinating the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together your yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Pat your chicken dry (this is important!) and toss it in the mixture until every inch is coated.

Pro Tip: While 30 minutes will give you flavor, 12–24 hours in the fridge will give you a texture that melts in your mouth. The yogurt enzymes work slowly to tenderize the meat without making it “mushy” like vinegar-based marinades can.

5.2 Preparing the Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Start with the yogurt and tahini, then slowly add lemon juice and water until it’s the consistency of a thick pourable dressing. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—this allows the raw garlic “bite” to mellow out and harmonize with the tahini.

5.3 Cooking the Chicken Perfectly

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you put too many pieces in at once, the temperature drops and the chicken will steam in its own juices rather than sear.

Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side. You are looking for deep golden-brown charred spots. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5.4 Warming the Sauce Safely

If you prefer a warm sauce, do not put it in a pot over high heat—yogurt will curdle and separate. Instead, turn off the heat in your skillet after removing the chicken, and let the residual heat of the pan warm the sauce slightly, or simply serve it at room temperature against the hot chicken for a refreshing contrast.

5.5 Serving and Plating

To match our signature look:

1. Spoon a generous pool of the yogurt sauce onto a rustic neutral plate.
2. Arrange the golden chicken pieces on top.
3. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil.
4. Shower with chopped parsley and place two lemon wedges on the side.

6. Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Fresh is King: Never use bottled lemon juice. The flavor is dull and metallic compared to the bright zing of a fresh lemon.
• Room Temp: Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
• The Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside the meat.

7. Chicken Breast vs. Chicken Thighs?

You can absolutely use lemon garlic chicken thighs! Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy longer. If using boneless, skinless thighs, increase the cook time by about 2–3 minutes per side. If you prefer a leaner, quicker meal, stick with the lemon garlic chicken breast.

8. How Long Should You Marinate?

• Minimum: 30 minutes (surface flavor only).
• Ideal: 6 to 12 hours.
• Maximum: 24 hours. Beyond this, the acid in the lemon can start to “cook” the chicken and affect the texture negatively.

9. Is This Recipe Healthy?

Yes! This is a hallmark of the Mediterranean Diet. It is packed with lean protein, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and tahini, and probiotics from the yogurt. It is a much lighter alternative to traditional “creamy” garlic chicken recipes that use heavy cream or butter.

10. What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Chicken Recipe

To make this a full meal, try these pairings:

• Grains: Serve over a Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe or fluffy basmati rice.
• Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli recipe or a crisp Fattoush recipe.
• The Full Spread: Add some hummus recipe and warm pita bread for a true feast.

11. Lemon Garlic Chicken Storage & Reheating

Store the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently in a pan over low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

12. Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe Variations

• Spicy: Add a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade.
• Bowl Style: Serve over a bed of spinach with cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions.
• Dairy-Free: Use an unsweetened almond or cashew-based yogurt.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this?

Yes! 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Can I grill this?

Absolutely. The yogurt coating creates a beautiful crust on the grill.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months.

15. Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Yogurt Chicken (Mediterranean Style) is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a world-class meal. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. If you try it, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!