FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Greek Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Greek Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage & Meal Prep
• Serving Ideas
• More Marinated Chicken Recipes
• Tools I Use For This Recipe
• Greek Chicken (With Easy Marinade) Recipe card
• Gratitude Moment
• Recipe Reviews

I made this Greek chicken on a whim one day when I had one-too-many containers of Greek yogurt in my fridge after making my butter chicken and tzatziki sauce (on different days, not together, lol!). And you guys, why don’t I marinate chicken in Greek yogurt more often?! It’s amazing. This Greek chicken marinade makes the chicken incredibly juicy, with classic Mediterranean flavors to bring it to life. Dare I say, it’s even better than my other Mediterranean chicken marinade — and just as easy. Come make this Greek chicken recipe with me for a taste of Greece right at home!

Why You Need My Greek Chicken Recipe

• Flavorful Greek yogurt chicken marinade – You’ll love the tangy yogurt, zesty lemon, and Mediterranean spices that bring a burst of flavor to every bite.
• Tender, juicy chicken – The marinade doesn’t just add flavor, it makes the chicken super tender. Plus, using Greek yogurt means you don’t need as much oil to get a juicy result.
• Simple ingredients, big flavors – You don’t need too many things for my Greek chicken recipe! Just grab some chicken and Greek yogurt, plus a few pantry staples.
• Quick and easy – The quick marinade is hands-off, so you can prep it ahead. Other than that, this Greek chicken only takes around 15 minutes. I like to prep it in the morning for a lightning fast, healthy dinner at night!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my Greek marinated chicken, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

The Chicken:

• Chicken – I’ve made this Greek chicken recipe with boneless skinless chicken breasts and boneless skinless chicken thighs, and both are great. Although you could use bone-in chicken, I prefer boneless here because bone-in cuts typically have skin and it doesn’t crisp up as well after this type of marinade.
• Olive Oil – For searing the chicken. Avocado oil works, too.

Marinade Ingredients:

• Greek Yogurt – The not-so-secret ingredient in my Greek chicken marinade! It adds tang, but more importantly, it tenderizes the meat and locks in moisture to keep it juicy. You can also use plain yogurt if you prefer, or even my coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Olive Oil – You always need oil in a good marinade. It adds flavor and locks in moisture!
• Lemon Juice – Another tenderizing ingredient. You’ll need one lemon for the fresh lemon juice, but get an extra one to have lemon wedges for serving! You can also substitute red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a similar tenderizing effect.
• Herbs – I kept it simple with dried oregano and dried thyme . Feel free to add other Mediterranean herbs, like dried rosemary, marjoram, or fresh parsley. You need 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (total), but if you’ve got fresh herbs which are less concentrated, triple that.
• Garlic – I highly recommend mincing it fresh, but a teaspoon of the jarred stuff will do the trick.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – My usual ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper per pound of meat. Always just right!

How To Make Greek Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make the Greek chicken marinade. In a small bowl, stir or whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, minced garlic, sea salt and black pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken to a large zip lock bag, along with the marinade. Move around to coat and marinate in the refrigerator.

1. Cook until golden. Heat more olive oil in a large cast iron skillet ( I love this enameled one ) over medium-high heat, or if grilling outside, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Sear the Greek chicken on both sides, until golden brown. Let it rest before serving to let the juices settle.

My Recipe Tips

• Marinate overnight if you have time. My bare minimum is an hour, but the Greek chicken turns out even more juicy if you let it marinate overnight. You can even go up to 24 hours.
• Preheat your skillet. This helps you get a good sear on the outside, and also prevents sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer. I use and love this thermometer . It’s in my top 5 must-have kitchen tools, and the only way to know for sure that your chicken is perfectly cooked. Aim for 165 degrees F for chicken breast (higher than that will be dry), but for chicken thighs, 170 degrees F is better to get them juicy.
• Adjust the heat if needed. I always pan sear chicken breasts at medium-high heat, but sometimes this Greek chicken browns more quickly. If it browns before the inside is done, just turn down to medium or medium-low to finish cooking without burning.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet to rest. Resting before slicing is important to keep the chicken juicy, but if you leave it in the pan, it will overcook.
• Can you bake the Greek chicken instead? Yes, you can! I just prefer the nice sear I get on the stove for this one. To use your oven, just follow my baked chicken breast recipe after marinating.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can warm it up later, or serve it in one of my healthy salad recipes .
• Meal prep: Make the marinade ahead and let the chicken marinate for up to 24 hours. You can also cook it in advance for easy lunches all week.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for a quick fix, or in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F. Be careful not to heat too long to avoid drying it out.
• Freeze: After cooling, store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it whole rather than slicing.

Serving Ideas

This Greek chicken pairs well with my other Mediterranean-inspired recipes. I used to work at a Greek restaurant, so I’ve got lots of options:

• Sauce – I love this with my tzatziki sauce , pictured above, but tahini sauce also pairs nicely.
• Veggies – Try my ratatouille recipe for more Mediterranean-inspired flavor! I also really like this Greek style chicken with eggplant dishes, like my sauteed eggplant or eggplant caponata (spoon it on top!).
• Salads – My fave is a simple Greek salad , shown above. (Did you know the Greeks don’t usually put greens in theirs? The Greek-native owner of the restaurant I worked at taught me that.) My Mediterranean salad is also wonderful.
• Potatoes – My classic Greek lemon potatoes pair perfectly, but simple air fried potatoes or roasted potatoes work just as well.
• Bowls – I love me a Greek chicken bowl! Just top a bowl of rice (or cauliflower rice ) with sliced chicken, and pile it high with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki or tahini (above).

More Marinated Chicken Recipes

Marinating isn’t just for flavor — it makes chicken tender and juicy. Try it with my other marinated chicken recipes:

Tools I Use For This Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet – I always recommend cast iron for a perfect sear. I love this one and have it in multiple colors.
• Meat Thermometer – I use this instant-read thermometer for everything from chicken to steak and pork . Meats never overcook when I use it!

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 lb total) ▢
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt ▢
• 4 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice ▢
• 2 tsp Dried oregano ▢
• 1 tsp Dried thyme ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic, sea salt and black pepper. Stir or whisk until smooth.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip lock bag, along with the Greek chicken marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour , or up to 24 hours. (Alternatively, you can mix the marinade in a large bowl instead and marinate the chicken right in the bowl, covered in plastic wrap.)
3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, or if grilling outside, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 7-8 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If they brown too much before the inside is done, reduce heat to medium and continue cooking.
5. Transfer the Greek chicken to a plate or cutting board, and let it rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

Nutrition info includes half of the marinade, as at least half is discarded.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Greek Chicken

Gratitude Moment

It’s fall and it’s busy season. Except this past summer also felt like busy season. And so did spring… and winter. When does it stop? Anyone else feel like there is never a “slow time”?

Fitting everything into a 24-hour day is an ongoing struggle for me, which is why you often see either meal prep or quick and easy recipes here on Wholesome Yum. I’m grateful to have a healthy dinner ready quickly on those (many, many) days that life just feels too hectic. Here’s one of my recent ones, this Greek chicken with a simple side of air fryer broccoli !

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Greek Chicken (With Easy Marinade)

My juicy Greek chicken recipe has a simple marinade with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. So easy and flavorful!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/greek-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 lb total)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic, sea salt and black pepper. Stir or whisk until smooth.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip lock bag, along with the Greek chicken marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour , or up to 24 hours. (Alternatively, you can mix the marinade in a large bowl instead and marinate the chicken right in the bowl, covered in plastic wrap.)
3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, or if grilling outside, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 7-8 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If they brown too much before the inside is done, reduce heat to medium and continue cooking.
5. Transfer the Greek chicken to a plate or cutting board, and let it rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

Nutrition info includes half of the marinade, as at least half is discarded.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)