↑

Savoring Today

Clean eating recipes and meal prep for busy families.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Party Foods
    • Baking
      • Bread
      • Cookies
      • Sprouted Grain
    • Breakfast
    • Beverages
    • Cuisines
      • Asian / Chinese / Thai
      • French
      • Italian
      • Mexican
    • Dessert
      • Chocolate
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Grilling
    • Health Related Articles
    • Main Courses
      • Pasta
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Pork & Lamb
    • Salads
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups / Stews
    • Specialty Diets
      • Gluten Free
      • Grain Free
      • Keto Diet Foods
      • Lower Carb Favorites
      • Paleo Diet Foods
    • Seasonal
      • Celebrations
      • Christmas
      • Easter
  • Meal Prep
  • FREE TOOLS
    • Collections & Meal Plans
    • Free Printables
  • About
    • Food Philosophy
    • Contact
    • Copyright

Home » Recipes » Main Courses » Chicken & Poultry » Juicy and Tender Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Juicy and Tender Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Published July 5, 2011. Last updated December 15, 2021 by Judy Purcell 6 Comments

Savor and Share!

  • Share
  • Inspire
  • Send
See Recipe Print Recipe
grilled chicken breast pinterest

This Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken keeps the grill lit and the oven turned off during hot summer weather.

A simple marinade of yogurt and herbs makes the chicken tender and delicious when grilled.

No more dry chicken!

sliced grilled chicken on a cutting board

Boneless, skinless grilled chicken breasts are easy to make and freeze, versatile for an array of meals throughout the week. Though lean and quick cooking, chicken breast needs help in the flavor department, so I am always on the hunt for good marinades. 

The intense heat of a grill can leave chicken breast rubbery and dry if it isn’t prepped with a marinade or brine and monitored closely for doneness. That’s where yogurt and an instant-read thermometer come in.

We use these same marinating and grilling techniques whether grilling our Tri-Tip Roast, Lamb Chops, Pulled Pork, Savory Herb Chicken, or Salmon.

This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more information.

checking the temperature of chicken with a thermometer
Grilled chicken thighs grilled perfectly.

Check Temperature, Not Time

If you’re grilling without an instant-read thermometer, it’s time to invest in this grilling tool and stop guessing about doneness. Great grilling or barbecue relies on temperature, not time. There are so many variables, any grilling recipe depending on time alone will always be a shot in the dark.

Set up two-zone heat; direct and indirect

  • Gas grill: Once the grill is heated, leave the burners on one side of the grill on high and leave the other side off to create a direct and indirect source of heat. If the grill ordinarily runs hot or cold, you’ll have to adjust the settings to maintain a temperature around 375°F when the lid is closed.
  • Charcoal grill: Build your fire in a chimney starter and once the coals are hot and ready, spread them out over one side of the bottom of the grill.
Steps for lighting a charcoal chimney

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

  1. Start with an even thickness – use a meat mallet to pound out the thicker end
  2. Marinade in yogurt or buttermilk – citrus marinade works for flavor, but not as well for tenderness
  3. Always use a glass dish or zip-type bag with an acid-based marinade—aluminum and stainless steel can react with the acid and affect the meat.
  4. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer – the best way to safeguard over-cooking lean proteins

TIP: Another important step in prepping chicken breast for the grill is even thickness. Using a meat mallet, it should only take two or three whacks on the thicker end to create an even piece of meat that will cook, well, evenly.

chicken grilling
Chicken grilling with different yogurt marinades.

Fabulous Vegetable Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken

  • Grilled Broccoli with Lemon & Parmesan
  • Grilled Asparagus with Cotija Cheese
  • Portabella Mushrooms with Blue Cheese & Vegetable Stuffing
  • Grilled Cabbage with Classic Caesar Dressing
  • Grilled Beets & Asparagus with Fried Goat Cheese
  • Hoisin-Sesame Asparagus
  • More Side Dish Ideas
sliced grilled chicken on a dark wood cutting board
Print Recipe PIN Recipe SaveSaved!

Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Tender chicken marinated with yogurt, fresh cilantro, and earthy spices, then grilled to perfection.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Marinating Time3 hours hrs
Total Time3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Judy Purcell
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems , coarsely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic , coarsely chopped
  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger , peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala , or favorite seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt , plus more for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Working with one chicken breast at a time, place chicken inside a zip-type bag and pound the thicker part of the chicken with a meat mallet to create a more even piece. Transfer chicken breasts to a separate gallon size zip-type plastic bag.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a food processor and blend until mostly incorporated. Pour yogurt mixture over chicken, move the chicken around in the bag until well coated. Seal bag and marinate chicken in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Build a medium fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Brush grill grates with oil. Scrape excess marinade off chicken; season with salt. Grill chicken, turning once, until browned and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 727mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
Learn how to make this and all recipes even easier!Check out our Monthly Meal Prep System!

Savor and Share!

  • Share
  • Inspire
  • Send

Filed Under: Chicken & Poultry, Grilling, Recipes Tagged With: summer grilling, yogurt marinade

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rating




  1. Gina says

    May 3, 2019 at 7:58 am

    5 stars
    The yogurt really does work on the chicken – so tender.

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    July 11, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    Had this for dinner tonight, grilled the asparagus right along with the chicken and they finished at the same time–that is one easy dinner! Liked the tender, moist chicken breast, the yogurt really did its job. The flavors are lovely together, nothing too strong or extra needed –will definitely make this again.

    Didn’t have time to light the wood grill, so we went with propane. Next time we’ll make sure we have a little more time 🙂

    Reply
  3. rsmacaalay says

    July 6, 2011 at 1:12 am

    This is similar to how Malaysian Indians marinate their chicken, It like a tandoori style with lesser spices.

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    July 5, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    This really looks delicious. I love the tenderizing properties of yogurt. It really does take chicken to another level. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

    Reply
  5. meganmicciulla says

    July 5, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Judy,
    I made this recipe before, but I roasted the chicken in the oven. It’s a tasty meal.

    Reply
    • Judy says

      July 5, 2011 at 11:25 am

      Thanks for letting me know, I’m looking forward to trying it. 🙂

      Reply
Judy from Savoring Today

Hi, I'm Judy

I'm delighted you're here to savor healthy, clean eating recipes and cooking tips.

If you avoid processed foods and love serving your family nourishing meals, we are passionate about the same things. Read More

Subscribe for recipe updates

AND Get our clean eating quick start guide!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

The Latest

avocado crema in a light grey bowl with a spoon on a towel

Avocado Crema with Yogurt

salsa with mango and pineapple in a bowl by chips

Mango Pineapple Salsa

pork tacos lined up with mango salsa on the side

Grilled Al Pastor Style Pulled Pork

roasted sweet potates on whipped ricotta with tomatoes and olives on a tan plate beside casserole dishes

Chili Crunch Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Savory ricotta feta dip in a white bowl with bread on a counter ready to serve

Savory Whipped Ricotta and Feta Dip

A bowl of yogurt with a spoonful held above it.

Greek Yogurt: Thick, velvety 2 ingredient recipe!

Fan Favorites

Tri-Tip roast sliced and fanned out on a white platter with grilled baby leeks.

Grilled Tri-Tip Roast Recipe for a Charcoal or Gas Grill

An easy, 30-Min date night meal that brings the WOW without all the fuss of crowded restaurants.

Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus

crab legs on a white platter with drawn butter

Best Way to Cook Crab Legs

Cheeses and charcuterie on a table

7 Tips for Hosting a Wine & Cheese Party

Ghirardelli Brownie Cookies: Soft Centers and Chewy Edges

Categories

DisclosurePrivacyCopyright

Fan Favorites

  • Grilled Tri-Tip Roast Recipe for a Charcoal or Gas Grill
  • Ghirardelli Brownie Cookies: Soft Centers and Chewy Edges
  • Best Way to Cook Crab Legs
  • Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus
Clean eating recipes and cooking courses for busy families. Savoring Today LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
©2025, Savoring Today. All Rights Reserved. Site by Pixel Me Designs
  • Home
  • Contact
  • SHOP
  • Recipes