A yogurt marinated chicken that’s beautifully tenderized and infused with terrific garlic and oregano flavours! If you’re new to the magical powers of yogurt marinades, this baked Greek Chicken is going to convert you for life! Brought to you in partnership with Farmers Union Greek Style Yogurt.
Welcome to GREEK WEEK! Every now and then, I like to do themed menus where I share all the recipes for a feast, and this week it’s all about the bright fresh flavours of the Mediterranean. Think – lemons, oregano, yogurt, lemons and plenty of garlic!
Are you ready to see what I’ve got in store for you for Greek Week?? Here you go….
GREEK MENU
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Greek Chicken – Garlicky lemony oregano flavours infused right through the chicken from a flavour loaded Greek chicken marinade;
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Greek Salad – the juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, that red wine vinegar dressing and the pops of feta!
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Tzatziki – for dipping and dolloping (recipe in Notes of Greek chicken)
Coming Thursday; -
Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes – crispy, lemony potatoes. It’s your dream come true!
Coming Friday;or -
Lemon Potato Salad (pictured in first photo)– terrific alternative to mayo based Potato Salads. Bonus: No need to peel the potatoes.
And for dessert….
Greek BUTTLOVER!!!!
Oops, I mean Baklava. Butt-lover / Baklava. Same thing. 😂 Coming your way on Friday…. (Psst It does take time to assemble but you’re going to be amazed how straightforward it is!!)
SECRET WEAPON: YOGURT GREEK CHICKEN MARINADE
I first introduced readers to the magical powers of yogurt marinades with Greek Chicken Gyros. I bleated* over and over again about how the yogurt marinade is so awesome, I use it even when I’m not making Gyros. (*Honestly, there is no other way to describe the way I harped on about it other than to say I was bleating.)
Yogurt is a brilliant marinade. The Greeks know it, Middle Easterners have embraced it, the Persians love it, the Indians live by it (Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, Biryani!).
What’s so good about it? Well, it tenderises quickly and more evenly than liquids with harsher acidity like lemon juice and vinegar, and is also a fabulous flavour carrier, injecting herbs and spices into the flesh.
This is the yogurt I use, and have always used for as long as I can remember – Farmers Union Greek Style Yogurt. It would be rare to find my fridge without a tub of this. More likely you’d see two: current in use + a restock.
There’s enough flavour in the Greek Chicken Marinade such that you don’t need to marinate for a full 24 hours to get the benefit of the tenderising and flavour injection. Overnight is definitely recommended but if you really need to rush it, even 3 hours is enough. Just do extra basting!
I’ve baked this chicken because I’ve used bone in, skin on chicken thighs and drumsticks here. I love how the skin goes crispy, and any cut of meat with the bone is extra juicy.
But this is one of those recipes that is truly terrific with any cut of chicken. Especially breast – because it adds juiciness and flavour. I’ve popped directions and cook times in the recipe notes.
Go forth and enjoy! Back Wednesday for the next instalment in this weeks’ Greek Feast – Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes! – Nagi x
MORE GREAT YOGURT MARINADES
– Greek Chicken Gyros
– Lamb Shawarma – flavour loaded fall apart lamb!
– Doner Kebab (homemade version of post-pub midnight kebab run…)
– Butter Chicken
– Tikka Masala
– Chicken Biryani
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Greek Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb drumsticks and chicken thighs , bone in skin on (Note 1)
Marinade:
- 6 garlic cloves , minced (~ 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (I use Farmers Union)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Serving (optional):
- Plain Greek yogurt or Tzatziki
- Fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add chicken and coat well. Marinade for 24 hours (3 hours minimum).
- Preheat oven to 180C.350F.
- Line a tray with foil (trust me), place rack on tray (optional).
- Place chicken on rack (reserve marinade), skin side up. Bake 30 minutes,
- Remove from oven. Brush with marinade - do not flip.
- Return to oven for 20 minutes or until golden and a bit crispy. Give it a spray of olive oil just before it's done if you want an extra crispy, shiny coat.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving. Juicy and tasty enough to serve plain but extra great with tzatziki or even some plain yogurt.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
Getting right in there to make sure it’s sparkling clean before I pop it into the recycling bin!
Today’s recipe is brought to you courtesy of Farmers Union. I’ve used their Greek style natural yoghurt for as long as I can remember. So it was a no brainer when they asked if I’d create a recipe for them!!
Paul Richards says
Totally awesome
Nagi says
Thanks Paul!
Dana Shay says
At the risk of repeating myself, my, but you are a piece of work! I always share your recipes, just to spread the love. Your recipes, your writing, and your stunningly assembled photos, all conspire to get us slobbering! It seems I found you relatively early in your career/passion, and I love it all. And then there’s Dozer!! Best of luck in everything you do, we all love you. Merry Christmas!
Nagi says
aww shucks! Thanks so much Dana! Have a great Christmas!
Roger P. Moukheiber says
I love the new look, much easier to follow. Your videos are useful and inspiring. Merry Christmas from Chicago
Brittany Glusac says
I love the Life of Dozer! Love the new website, thank you for always providing the best recipes!
Donna Dougherty says
The new web site looks great! And I will definitely be trying the Greek Chicken recipe.
Joanne says
Love the new look and always enjoy your videos!
Nagi says
Thanks so much Joanne!!
GINNY SATO says
Love everything you make.
Nagi says
Thanks Ginny!!
Jane Merrick says
Love the website. Haven’t had much time to browse.
I love all your recipes and your mums as well.
Nagi says
Thanks Jane! I love hearing feedback!
Trinh says
Loving your new website so easy to navigate around. Love your page I get so inspired to cook. Thank you
Nagi says
Thanks so much!
Alma Dionisio says
Would rate it 10 stars if I could. Transports you straight to Greece!
Alma Dionisio says
Hi Nagi. Your new website is much more user friendly. We love the Greek menu and make it often. You don’t know how much your videos have inspired me to cook something that I wouldn’t have bothered to try. Big hug to Dozer, he’s a scream!
Nagi says
Hi Alma, thats so nice of you to say, I’m so glad you find the videos useful!!
Helen Esdaile says
You are now our first stop for inspiration.
Love the website!
Nagi says
You are too kind Helen! 😘
Robert Etzler says
Who’d of thought, you are not only a master chef but also a master tech geek to put together this great site (yeah, i’m buttering you up). Your site has been my go to site to experience and test out new recipes in easy to follow directions. My girlfriend raves about my cooking abilities since I’ve been a subscriber to your recipes (mums the word) :). Anyway it really is a great site. Thanks again and Happy Holidays.
Nagi says
You have one lucky Girlfriend Robert!! Thanks so much and I hope you have a great Christmas!
Cari says
Love the new website! So easy to navigate and very organized. Being an absolute dog lover, and owner of a yellow lab, I also appreciate the updates and new link on the life of Dozer! He’s the best and reminds me so much of my very own spirited dog. And I love your positive energy, Nagi! Look forward to your emails every day 🙂
Nagi says
Thanks sooooo much Cari, that’s so nice of you to say 😘
Nathan says
LOVE the new website design! The categories make it THAT much better to use, if that’s possible!
Nagi says
Thanks so much for the feedback Nathan!
Daryl says
The website looks so nice! The color scheme is great. This recipe looks so good!
Steve Schaff says
looks abfab! Much easier to navigate
Nagi says
I’m so glad to hear that Steve!
Samantha says
New site seems easier to read and your photos are more vibrant if that’s even possible. Very nice work!
Nagi says
Woot! Thanks for the feedback Samantha!
Isaac Smith says
Wow! Very professional, clean and easy to move around!
NICE!!
Nagi says
Thanks Isaac!
Alex says
Great new Website, Love the Colours. makes my favorite receipe side more beautiful. i really like it!
Nagi says
Aww thanks Alex!!! ☺️