The most tender, flavorful, delicious chicken? This Yogurt Chicken is in the running! The easy chicken recipe is delicious on its own, shredded for kids, or added to pasta, rice, or another favorite meal. Plus, it stores well and can be served cold or warm.
Yogurt Chicken
We love Baked Chicken Tenders and Chicken Nuggets, and I wanted to try to have another easy option in the rotation that wasn’t breaded. This version, which uses yogurt and pantry spices to make a quick marinade, is incredibly tender and perfect for shredding. That makes it a great chicken recipe for babies, toddlers, and really anyone who’s interested!
I usually make this recipe in the air fryer, but you can also bake it. It’s very flexible and quick to prepare.
Ingredients You Need
To make this chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken tenders: I love using chicken tenders here since they are thin and cook so fast, but you can also cut chicken breast into strips or use boneless chicken thighs.
- Yogurt: Greek or regular plain whole-milk yogurt helps make the chicken super moist.
- Spices: I use a mix of garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt to flavor the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this recipe. Scroll to the end of the post for the full information and recipe.
- Add all of the ingredients to a wide pie plate or bowl.
- Stir to coat well. Cover and marinate.
- Preheat the air fryer or oven and add the chicken.
- Cook until just cooked through. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
TIP: I usually don’t turn this over since it cooks so fast, but you can if you’d like to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marinating chicken in yogurt helps the chicken stay very moist and very tender.
No, leave it on and cook the chicken as directed. The marinade will be absorbed into the chicken adding flavor and tenderness.
I prefer to use plain whole milk Greek yogurt. You can use regular style yogurt, too, if you prefer.
What goes well with Yogurt Chicken?
We love to pair this recipe with one or two of the following:
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Best Tips for Success
- Shred, slice, or dice for easy eating as needed.
- Use plain whole-milk Greek or regular yogurt.
- To make these with whole chicken breast, slice it into 1-inch strips and proceed with the recipe.
- To make with chicken thighs, follow the recipe as written and increase the cooking time by 2-4 minutes, or cook until the chicken registers 160 degrees F with an instant-read meat thermometer.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment and rate it below!
Yogurt Chicken (Baked or Air Fried)
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ¼ cup plain regular or Greek yogurt (I use whole-milk yogurt)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the chicken, yogurt, and spices to a wide bowl. Mix with a fork to coat the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.
- To air-fry: Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Coat the tray with nonstick spray. When heated, add the chicken and cook for 8 minutes.
- To bake in the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet or pie plate with either nonstick spray or parchment paper. Place chicken onto the prepared pan and bake for 12-14 minutes or until cooked through.
Equipment
Notes
- Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Shred, slice, or dice for easy eating as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Use plain whole-milk Greek or regular yogurt.
- To make these with whole chicken breast, slice it into 1-inch strips and proceed with the recipe.
- To make with chicken thighs, follow the recipe as written and increase the cooking time by 2-4 minutes, or cook until the chicken registers 160 degrees F with an instant read meat thermometer.
This was so good the whole family enjoyed it!
This looks so delish! Do you think it would do well in an instant pot, or better to bake it? Thank you!
I am not 100% sure that the yogurt would be okay (and not separate) if you leave it in a crockpot for a long duration of time.
I make this is my air fryer all the time and it turns out great! I even accidentally pressure cooked it and it was fine, but the chicken shredded.