Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken

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Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken takes only a few minutes to put together and results in delicious, moist, flavor packed chicken that your family will absolutely love.

233 CAL 2g CARBS 5g FAT 40g PROTEIN 2
14 Comments

Greek Yogurt Chicken with Parmesan cheese is a five ingredient recipe that will quickly become a mainstay in your dinner rotation. It is so easy to make and you will be shocked at how flavorful and moist the chicken turns out.

This recipe is one of the most popular recipes on Pinterest these days. The concept is simple – chicken that is baked in either yogurt or mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and spices, usually seasoned salt.

The yogurt keeps the chicken very moist while it cooks and adds some great flavor when combined with the cheese and spices.

To make everything taste fresher, I usually opt for fresh garlic, a bright spice mix or fresh herbs, and lemon zest but the basic recipe can work with virtually any spices.

It's really that easy and seriously tastes amazing. This is one of those times when the Pinterest folks got it right.

Funny thing about this chicken. The first time I made it, it was with enormous skepticism. The idea of cooking chicken in yogurt threw me off. Hot yogurt, it doesn't really seem that appealing, and let's be honest, sounds pretty awful. But somehow, I promise, the end result is anything but awful. The yogurt, Parmesan, and garlic combine to create a creamy sauce that's really tasty.

Plus the yogurt does an amazing job of keeping the chicken moist and tender. You don't have to worry about dry chicken breasts. It is one of those things that just works even though you think it won't.

Greek Yogurt Chicken with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and spices sliced on a blue plate.

Tips and Recipe Ideas

  • Most of the original recipes for this chicken call for garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Personally I like the taste of fresh garlic more, so I opted to use that. However, if you don't have any garlic on hand or don't feel like mincing it, garlic powder will work. 
  • When it comes to adding seasoning, you can go for spice mixes or fresh herbs. Many people swear by adding ranch seasoning to this recipe. Personally I am not a huge ranch fan, which is why I went for a spicier grill seasoning, but if you love ranch than I recommend giving it a try. For a fresher take, you could add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
  • Depending on your dietary needs, you can opt to use full-fat yogurt for a creamier sauce or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise. Mayonnaise will create a milder sauce for the chicken but personally I like the tang that Greek yogurt adds.
  • For a crunchier coating, you can add breadcrumbs to the mix as well. After coating the chicken with the yogurt mixture, simply add a layer of Panko, seasoned, or whole-wheat breadcrumbs. It will bake up to be crispy and delicious.
  • If you aren't a huge fan of chicken breasts, this recipe works great with boneless skinless thighs or pork chops. I imagine it would work on white fish as well, but I haven't tried it yet.
  • Boost the flavor and add freshness with fresh herbs. Add fresh dill, parsley, chives, or oregano right to the yogurt mixture.

How to make Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken?

If you want to make the ranch version of this yogurt chicken, add up to one envelope of store-bought ranch seasoning to the yogurt. If using homemade ranch seasoning, you will want to use 1-2 tablespoons per pound of chicken. 

If you love the combination of ranch and buffalo sauce, consider drizzling some buffalo sauce on the finished dish.

Can I marinate the chicken in the yogurt for more flavor?

If you want to boost the flavor in this dish, let the chicken marinate in the yogurt mixture for up to 24 hours before cooking. If possible, let the chicken come to room temperature before placing it in the oven so that it cooks evenly. 

Is this recipe Low Carb and Keto friendly?

If you are making this for a low carb or keto diet, substitute full fat yogurt for the nonfat Greek yogurt. The whole milk yogurt has fewer carbs than the nonfat varieties.

Chicken in Parmesan Greek Yogurt Sauce on a plate with herbs, fresh lemons, and a napkin.

Side Dish Ideas

This yogurt chicken is one of those recipes you can serve with almost anything. We love it with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and it is even delicious over pasta or spaghetti squash. Here are some ideas:

  • Make a big green salad and serve it with a homemade Greek yogurt dressing.  Simply combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, a clove of crushed garlic, and Italian seasoning. 
  • There is something about this dish that pairs really well with tomatoes. Consider serving roasted tomatoes on the side or serving it with marinara sauce for dipping.

Looking for more healthy chicken breast recipes?

This recipe was originally shared five years ago but has been updated with a video, new photos, and recipe ideas.

The Recipe
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Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken

233 CAL 2g CARBS 5g FAT 40g PROTEIN 2
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 45 Min
TOTAL TIME: 50 Min
14 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1.67 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1.5 tsp. grill seasoning (seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, or Cajun seasoning)

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2

Place the chicken in a prepared baking dish. Season well with salt and pepper.

3

Mix together the yogurt, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and the seasoning you choose. Pour over the chicken and use your hands to make sure the chicken is completely coated.

4

Bake for 35-45 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Equipment

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Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 6 oz.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 233
Calories from Fat 38
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g
6%
Saturated Fat 2g
9%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 82mg
27%
Sodium 250mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate 2g
1%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Sugars 1g
Protein 40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
14 Comments
On Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken
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Wendy
October 19, 2023 - 15:24
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5
Simply delicious thank you!
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Hope
June 19, 2023 - 19:03
Add a Rating:
5
This dish was even better than I thought it would be!
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Kris
May 15, 2023 - 13:10
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5
I would brown the chicken first before baking, next time. Otherwise delish!
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Cam
November 24, 2022 - 16:53
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4
Loved this recipe and that it uses greek yogurt opposed to mayo! I did seasoning salt, lemon and herb seasoning (instead of zest), and a bit of cayanne. I would do less seasoning salt next time as I did find it a bit salty, or just up the amount of greek yogurt. Can't wait to try it again with the ranch seasoning!!
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AJ
July 9, 2022 - 20:09
Add a Rating:
5
Wow! This is the juiciest chicken I’ve made in a long while, and I’ve tried a lot of different methods. I see someone baked the chicken on top of potatoes which sounds like an excellent idea. Thank you for this recipe. I will use it often.
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Tracy wason
February 15, 2022 - 07:40
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5
So much flavour and so juicy husband was very happy.
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Julie
January 16, 2022 - 19:24
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5
Wonderful, forgot to leave 5 star rating
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Julie
January 16, 2022 - 19:23
Wow! This was super juicy, I put in Calabrian chilies to spice it up... Already recommended to some friends. Thank you!
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Lisa
September 27, 2021 - 06:50
Add a Rating:
5
Mine didn't brown on top like the picture, but my family loved it. I used a little more yogurt and a full ranch seasoning packet and only baked for 30 minutes. Could have done only 20-25 minutes, because my chicken pieces weren't very thick. Delicious and very easy. Thank you!
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Loriann R Dyer
October 13, 2020 - 13:06
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5
Love this recipe, I place a few slice potatoes on the baking sheet and place the chicken on the potatoes and roast. I have also roasted the chicken on a tray of cauliflower steaks.
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Debbie
February 13, 2020 - 18:21
I might try this with some white fish too! Sounds so good!
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Christine Cottrell
January 19, 2020 - 14:15
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5
This is so tasty I love it
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Wendy Beerbower
April 4, 2016 - 18:09
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5
Juicy and delicious. We'll make this over and over again. The fresh lemon zest was important so don't leave it out!
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Jill Doying
February 18, 2016 - 17:18
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5
Am I really the only one leaving a review! This is delicious! I used ranch dressing mix and it blended perfectly with the lemon zest and parmesan cheese though I may try another herb mix next time. It is just as good the next day (and the next). Where has it been all my life?
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