Creamy lemon yogurt mediterranean chicken
Creamy Lemon Yogurt Mediterranean Chicken is a light yet comforting dish where tender chicken is gently cooked in a smooth garlic-lemon yogurt sauce with herbs. Unlike heavy cream dishes, this recipe uses Greek-style yogurt for a creamy texture while keeping it healthy and Mediterranean-friendly.
It’s non-spicy, aromatic, and perfect for lunch or dinner with rice, flatbread, or roasted vegetables.
⏱ Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken
500 g boneless chicken breast or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
Yogurt Lemon Sauce
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (room temperature)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or coriander (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Cut chicken into medium pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
4. Lower the heat
Reduce stove heat to low (very important to prevent curdling).
5. Combine
Return chicken to the pan. Add yogurt sauce and stir gently.
6. Simmer gently
Cook for 4–5 minutes on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish
Sprinkle fresh herbs and turn off heat.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Results
Always use room-temperature yogurt
Keep heat low once yogurt is added
Stir gently—do not boil
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast
🔄 Variations
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition
Use oven-baked chicken instead of pan-fried
Make it dairy-free with plant yogurt
Serve over orzo, brown rice, or quinoa
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will yogurt curdle?
Not if the heat is low and yogurt is at room temperature.
Q: Is this recipe weight-loss friendly?
Yes—high protein, moderate fat, and very filling.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
Q: Is it spicy?
No, completely non-spicy.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 0.5 g