30-Minute Greek Yoghurt Marinated Chicken

Preparing a flavourful and nutritious dinner doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, especially with this speedy Greek yoghurt marinated chicken recipe. With just 15 minutes of preparation and around 12-15 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfectly suited for your busiest evenings, offering a complete meal in under half an hour. The Greek yoghurt-based marinade not only adds a delightful Mediterranean aromatic profile but also helps to make the chicken breast incredibly tender and succulent, ideal for those seeking fantastic taste without compromising on lightness.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 8.8 oz (250g) chicken breast (approx. 2 fillets), cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• 5.3 oz (150g) natural full-fat or 0% fat Greek yoghurt
• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 a lemon)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken strips or bite-sized pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes; if you have more time, you can cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken in the pan without overcrowding the pieces. You may need to cook in two batches to avoid lowering the pan’s temperature too much, which prevents browning.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and completely cooked through. The Maillard reaction will create a delicious crust.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the Greek yoghurt marinated chicken hot, perhaps alongside a fresh salad, basmati rice, or couscous. You may garnish with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheated in a frying pan or microwave.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating recipes like this into your weekly routine is a simple way to ensure tasty and wholesome meals, even when time is limited. Cooking doesn’t have to be a source of stress but rather a moment of pleasure and nourishment, supporting a balanced lifestyle.