Yogurt Marinated Air Fryer Chicken

This easy yogurt marinated chicken is made in the air fryer but it can also be made on the grill or in the oven. The marinade includes greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and the perfect blend of simple seasonings. It’s so light and flavorful!

I love using a yogurt marinade because it really coats the chicken with all the seasoning and flavor goodness you’ve included. Plus yogurt helps keep the chicken tender so the finished result is even more delicious!

Greek yogurt is thick so it clings best to the chicken. Whole milk, low fat, or fat free varieties will all work well. An unflavored regular yogurt is also a good option. It won’t attach quite as well to the chicken but it will still result in great flavor.

I prefer to make these chicken breasts in the air fryer to keep things easy. I’ve included alternative directions for grilling and baking below too.

A big batch is perfect to store in the fridge for meal prep!

For this recipe you’ll need (full list of ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below):

• Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Greek yogurt: You can use whole milk, low fat, or fat free greek yogurt. Just be sure to pick an unflavored and unsweetened variety.
• Lemon juice: The lemon juice adds a brightness to the marinade. It can take a while for chicken to really absorb that lemon flavor so give your marinade time to work its magic!
• Garlic: Mince your own garlic or use the jarred variety. Either is totally fine.
• Seasonings: Basil, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes all create the perfect seasoning blend for this yogurt marinated chicken.

How Long Should You Marinate Chicken?

Since lemon is a fairly mild flavor I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate the more pronounced the lemon flavor will be and the more tender your cooked chicken. I don’t recommend longer than 12 hours because your meat can start to break down and the texture changes if it sits in a marinade for too long. (That goes for any marinade.)

Tips for the Best Yogurt Marinated Air Fryer Chicken

1. Leave your chicken in the marinade for a minimum of 2 hours and as close to 12 hours as you can. This is a mild marinade so that extra time really helps achieve the best flavor.
2. Spread the chicken breasts in a single layer. You don’t want the chicken piled on top of each other (or touching) because the chicken won’t cook as evenly.
3. Don’t overcook the chicken. Because chicken is so lean it’s really easy to overcook it! You can use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees. Since we’re letting the chicken rest you can remove it from the air fryer around 155 to 160 degrees (since it will continue to cook while resting).
4. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This is important because it gives the chicken time to reabsorb those juices! If you cut your chicken too early all that juice will spill on to the cutting board.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken on the Grill

If you’d prefer to use your grill instead of the air fryer simply follow this method:

1. Cut chicken breasts into cutlets and marinate the chicken according to recipe instructions.
2. When you’re ready to cook preheat the grill to medium high heat.
3. Add chicken to the grill.
4. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until completely cooked through. Since we’ve cut our chicken breasts into cutlets they’ll be thin and cook faster. It can take 5 to 7 minutes per side but time depends on the thickness of your chicken.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken in the Oven

If you’d prefer to bake your chicken instead of using the air fryer simply follow this method:

1. Cut chicken breasts into cutlets and marinate the chicken according to recipe instructions.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Spread chicken on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you’d like a little browning on top.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

How to Serve This

Serve with veggies, rice, potatoes, and/or a side salad. My Easy Roasted Broccoli and Garlic Green Beans will pair beautifully with this chicken.

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