Baked chicken with greek yogurt and bread crumbs

The perfect chicken fingers!! Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside with a thick golden brown yogurt crust… The chicken is first marinated in yogurt to tenderise it, then added in a yogurt based batter, dredged in a semolina-flour mixture, along with spices and herbs and then oven baked to golden and crispy perfection..

The secret for these extra crispy chicken fingers is to dredge them in semolina, as it helps to form a nice golden crust around them. Follow our instructions and bake them to perfection!

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Crispiest oven-baked Chicken Fingers in Amazing Yogurt Crust

(618 votes, average: 4.85 out of 5)

Loading... 4.9 from 618 reviews

Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 22 min
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 4 portions 1x
Category: Main
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Greek

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Description

Perfect chicken fingers!! Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside with a thick golden brown yogurt crust..

Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken

Low Carb / Keto | Published Feb 16, 2022 | Updated May 3, 2020 | By Tawnie

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Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken is super juicy, easy to make and bursting with flavor. All you’ll need for the Greek Yogurt marinade is yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme and a few pantry staple seasonings!

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What I love about this Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken is how the marinade breaks down the chicken resulting in a tender and moist chicken breast.

Dry chicken is the WORST and no one has time for that!

Plus, the Greek Yogurt adds a nutritional punch and you’ll feel good eating it!

Chicken is a go-to meal in our house. We have this recipe on regular rotation, along with this cranberry apricot chicken and pesto baked chicken.

On Sunday’s we always have family dinner at my mom’s house. I brought over this chicken for the first time and everyone raved about it! I told them the marinade had Greek Yogurt in it and they were very surprised.

Many of us think of yogurt as a breakfast or snack item only, but it’s really great to use for any meal occasion and it’s a bonus if you can enjoy it with your family.

Table of contents

Ingredients you will need
Step by Step Directions
Expert Tips and Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
Supplies you will need

This recipe is…

An easy weeknight (or weekend!) dinner.
Can be prepped on your lunch break and baked at night!
Great for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week
High in protein
A healthy balanced meal to enjoy with family or friends.
Simply, yet bursting with flavor!

Family time has always been an important part of my life and food always seems to bring us together. Some of my fondest memories are around the kitchen table or cooking in the kitchen. I am thankful I can introduce my family (and YOU!) to use new ways of using Greek Yogurt!

Ingredient Notes

Greek Yogurt, plain (0%, 2% or 5%)
Boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
Lemon Juice
Garlic
Olive Oil
Panko Breadcrumbs
Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder

How to make Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken:

In a large bowl season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then add in the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil and seasonings. Mix very well and then cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight
Once chicken is ready to cook preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and place chicken down in baking dish. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top of chicken and you can also top chicken with lemon slices if you prefer prior to baking for a little extra lemon flavor.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
Serve warm with salad/asparagus and rice, quinoa or potatoes.

Tips and Variations

I’ve found 375°F to be the perfect temperature for juicy baked chicken. If you have thicker chicken breasts, I would recommend 400°F. A low oven temperature may lead to a long bake time and dry chicken so I wouldn’t go any lower than those temps.
Season the chicken generously and don’t be afraid to add a few extra glugs of olive oil. Use plenty of salt and feel free to add any extra fresh seasonings like rosemary or oregano.
Be sure to use an oven safe baking dish. Anything works really – a baking sheet, an oven safe casserole dish, or a cast iron skillet.
Once the chicken is done, allow the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes. This will lock in all those yummy juices.
Make a sauce for the chicken if you want something to dip in or spoon over. I love mixing yogurt with lemon juice, chives, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, it’s also very good with chicken thighs. Plus, chicken thighs are usually slightly cheaper than chicken breasts.

What should I serve baked chicken with?

Veggies, salad, baked potatoes, rice, pasta, the options are endless!

How long does this chicken last?

Refrigerate and store in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

How do I reheat baked chicken?

You can reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in a pinch!

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Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken

This Greek Yogurt Lemon Baked Chicken is a moist, juicy and bursting with flavor. Pair with rice pilaf and a vegetable for a complete meal. It's an easy weeknight dinner!

4.57 from 16 reviews

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 265kcal

Author: Tawnie Graham of Kroll’s Korner

1x2x3x

Ingredients

▢3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
▢1 tsp. kosher salt
▢Freshly ground black pepper
▢6 cloves garlic, minced
▢1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
▢1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
▢2 Tbsp. Olive oil
▢1/2 tsp. thyme
▢1/2 tsp. garlic powder
▢1/2 tsp. onion powder
▢3 Tbsp. Panko Breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Then add in the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil and thyme, garlic and onion powder.
Mix well and then cover with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 4-6 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with olive oil and place chicken down in baking dish.
Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top of chicken and you can also top each chicken breast with a lemon slice if you prefer prior to baking for a little extra lemon flavor.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.
Serve warm with your favorite veggies and rice pilaf. (Serve with a sauce if desired, see notes)

Video

Notes

If in a rush, marinate for a minimum of 3 hours.
Recipe can also be made with chicken thighs, wings and drumsticks!
I’ve found 375°F to be the perfect temperature for juicy baked chicken. If you have thicker chicken breasts, I would recommend 400°F. A low oven temperature may lead to a long bake time and dry chicken so I wouldn’t go any lower than those temps.
Season the chicken generously and don’t be afraid to add a few extra glugs of olive oil. Use plenty of salt and feel free to add any extra fresh seasonings like rosemary or oregano.
Be sure to use an oven safe baking dish. Anything works really – a baking sheet, an oven safe casserole dish, or a cast iron skillet.
Once the chicken is done, allow the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes. This will lock in all those yummy juices.
Make a sauce for the chicken if you want something to dip in or spoon over. I love mixing yogurt with lemon juice, chives, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil!

Find Kroll’s Korner on Instagram!Mention @krolls_korner or tag #krollskorner

Nutrition

Hi, I’m Tawnie!

Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

More about Tawnie

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Heidi Riggs

1 year ago

SUPER delicious. Making again. ? You suggest using onion powder at top of recipe write up but then switch to garlic powder in list and proportions further down. Since you call for garlic cloves, I’m suspecting a minor error. Please confirm.
Thanks.

Author

Krolls Korner

1 year ago

Reply to Heidi Riggs

Thank you Heidi, so glad you enjoyed! Should be garlic powder, although a little onion powder wouldn’t hurt too! 🙂 xo, Tawnie

Heidi

2 years ago

This chicken was SUPERB even though I didn’t quite follow your recipe. (one ingredient substitute out of necessity and one mistake!) I will make again, often, and correctly.It was truly the antithesis of dry chicken 🙂

Nadia

2 years ago

Looks delicious!! I’m trying this out tonight!! Can I freeze the chicken with marinade? 1 batch is too much so just wondering if I can freeze the rest for another day. Thanks!

Author

Krolls Korner

2 years ago

Reply to Nadia

Hi Nadia, thank you SO much I hope you loved it. I have actually never tried it that way but I would think it would come out delicious. If you do try it, please let me know how it turns out. I am sure myself and other readers would be interested in hearing! Thank you. xo, Tawnie

Olga

2 years ago

Amazing recipe,very easy and very tasty!

Author

Krolls Korner

2 years ago

Reply to Olga

Thank you so so much!! xo, Tawnie

Lisa

2 years ago

So great we’ve made it twice already & have shared the recipe with friends ?
I used the gluten free Paneriso breadcrumbs and the crunch it maintained was awesome.

Author

Krolls Korner

2 years ago

Reply to Lisa

Hi Lisa!! Thank you SO much for the comments. I am so glad you love this recipe!! Thank you for stopping by my blog & passing it along! xo, Tawnie

Tisha

3 years ago

I agree dry chicken is the worst!!! I’m sure the yogurt makes it so juicy! Have to try this!

Lisa

3 years ago

This meal looks so delicious. I love the combination of chicken, lemon, and Greek yogurt. Can’t wait to try! 🙂

What does Greek yogurt do to chicken?

Greek yogurt adds a delicious tang to the chicken, making it a great marinated grilled chicken recipe. The yogurt marinade also helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy. Healthy. This recipe is low in calories and fat, but high in protein and full of flavor – everything you can hope for in a healthy recipe.

What does Soaking chicken in yogurt do?

Yogurt tenderizes meat much more gently and effectively than regular marinades. While acidic vinegar- or citrus-based marinades can toughen proteins like chicken breast to a rubbery consistency, yogurt slowly tenderizes them, resulting in meat that can practically be pulled apart by hand.

Can you cook Greek yogurt in the oven?

Greek yogurt may be primarily a wholesome breakfast staple, but it's also an incredible tool when it comes to baking. It can be used, just like other dairy products, to make moist and tender cakes, biscuits, breads, and more.

Can I use yogurt instead of eggs for breading?

You could also try milk or yogurt. For heavier coatings (like panko or breadcrumbs), you might dust the fish with flour first. Once the floured fish is dipped in the butter or milk, it will get a little gummy and help the coating adhere better.