If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make tender, flavorful chicken with almost no effort, 3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken is the recipe you need. With just yogurt, chicken, and seasoning, this method delivers juicy results every single time.

This recipe proves that great flavor doesn’t require a long ingredient list. Yogurt works as a natural tenderizer, locking in moisture while gently infusing the chicken with richness. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, this simple marinade transforms everyday chicken into something crave-worthy.

Why Yogurt Is the Secret to Perfect Chicken

Yogurt has been used in marinades across many cuisines for generations, and for good reason. Its mild acidity breaks down proteins slowly, making chicken incredibly tender without turning it mushy.

Benefits of yogurt-marinated chicken:

Juicier texture
Gentle tenderizing
Even seasoning absorption
Helps prevent overcooking
Works for any cooking method

Unlike harsh acidic marinades, yogurt is forgiving and reliable.

Why Only Three Ingredients Work So Well

This recipe relies on simplicity. Each ingredient has a clear purpose:

Chicken provides the base
Yogurt tenderizes and moisturizes
Seasoning adds flavor

Because yogurt coats the chicken evenly, even a simple salt-based seasoning penetrates deeply, creating flavor throughout instead of just on the surface.

Ingredients

2 lb chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
1½ tsp salt or preferred seasoning blend

That’s it. Three ingredients. Endless possibilities.

Instructions

Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, mix yogurt and seasoning until smooth.
Add chicken and coat evenly on all sides.
Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare grill or skillet.
Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet or hot grill.
Cook until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving.

3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Ultra-juicy chicken marinated in yogurt and seasoning for an easy, foolproof dinner.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Global

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lb chicken any cut
1 cup plain yogurt full-fat
1.5 tsp salt or seasoning

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or skillet
Tongs

Method

Mix yogurt and seasoning.
Coat chicken evenly.
Marinate at least 30 minutes.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Use full-fat yogurt for best results.

Best Cooking Methods for Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Oven-Baked
Produces juicy meat with lightly crisp edges. Ideal for hands-off cooking.

Grilled
Adds smoky flavor and beautiful char marks.

Pan-Seared
Perfect for quick meals with a golden crust.

Air Fryer
Creates crispy edges with minimal oil.

Yogurt marinade adapts beautifully to any method.

Tips for the Juiciest Results

Use full-fat yogurt for best texture
Don’t wipe off marinade completely
Let chicken rest after cooking
Avoid high sugar seasonings
Marinate longer for deeper flavor

Flavor Variations (Still Simple)

You can still keep things easy while changing flavors:

Garlic Yogurt Chicken
Add garlic powder to the seasoning.

Herbed Yogurt Chicken
Use dried oregano or thyme.

Spicy Yogurt Chicken
Add chili powder or paprika.

Lemon Yogurt Chicken
Finish with fresh lemon juice after cooking.

Each variation keeps the base recipe intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve 3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken with:

Roasted vegetables
Rice or quinoa
Flatbread or wraps
Simple salads
Mashed or roasted potatoes

It’s neutral enough to pair with almost anything.

Meal Prep & Storage

Marinate up to 24 hours in advance
Store cooked chicken up to 4 days refrigerated
Reheat gently to retain moisture
Great for meal prep bowls and wraps

Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Staple

Minimal prep
No complicated ingredients
Reliable results
Budget-friendly
Family-approved

This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using sweetened yogurt
Skipping seasoning entirely
Overcrowding the pan
Cooking straight from the fridge
Overcooking

Avoid these, and success is guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken is proof that simple cooking can still deliver incredible results. Juicy, tender, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe belongs in every home cook’s rotation.

Once you try this method, you’ll never marinate chicken the same way again.

3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken – The Easiest Way to Juicy Chicken