Why You’ll Love This this Parmesan Greek Yogurt Chicken
This ridiculously easy chicken recipe uses just seven ingredients you probably already have hanging around your kitchen, because who’s time to hunt down exotic spices on a Tuesday night.
The Greek yogurt creates this incredibly tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the bone, while the parmesan and breadcrumbs form a golden, crispy coating that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with complicated marinades.
I mean, you literally just mix everything together, slap it on the chicken, and let your oven do all the heavy lifting while you catch up on your favorite show.
Ingredients List
You’ll need just seven simple ingredients to whip up this incredibly tender and flavorful chicken dinner.
- 4 chicken breasts, bone in
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Quick health considerations about these ingredients:
- Greek yogurt packs way more protein than regular yogurt and keeps the chicken super moist without adding tons of calories
- Bone-in chicken breasts stay juicier than boneless and often cost less at the grocery store
- Parmesan cheese adds calcium and that amazing umami flavor, though it does bump up the sodium content
- You can easily swap regular breadcrumbs for panko or even crushed crackers if that’s what you’ve got lurking in your pantry
Step by Step Directions
This simple recipe comes together in just minutes of prep time before letting your oven do all the work.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon season salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined
- Place 4 bone-in chicken breasts in a baking dish
- Spread the yogurt mixture evenly over each chicken breast, coating completely
- Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
For even better results, consider using an enameled cast iron Dutch oven for superior heat retention and distribution.
Substitutions and Variations
• Greek yogurt substitutions – Regular plain yogurt works in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as thick or tangy.
Sour cream is another option, but the flavor profile shifts toward more indulgent territory.
• Make it Mediterranean – Toss in some dried oregano, a squeeze of lemon juice, and maybe some crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist that’ll transport your dinner table.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
This protein-packed chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides that you’ll never run out of dinner inspiration.
- Roasted vegetables – Toss some broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus with olive oil and roast them alongside your chicken for a complete one-pan situation that’ll make cleanup a breeze.
- Rice or grain bowls – Fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice creates the perfect base to soak up any pan juices, because wasting those golden drippings would be a culinary crime.
- Fresh salads – A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of that creamy coating, giving your palate a nice little reset between bites.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Sometimes you just need something to mop up every last bit of sauce on your plate, and warm, buttery bread does the job without any shame whatsoever.
- Pasta sides – A light lemony orzo or creamy mashed potatoes turn this into a proper comfort food feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, thirds, and maybe even sneaking back to the kitchen later.
Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)
A few simple tricks can turn this already delicious chicken into something that’ll make your neighbors mysteriously start showing up around dinnertime.
- Pound those chicken breasts to even thickness – Nobody wants to bite into chicken that’s simultaneously overcooked and undercooked, which is exactly what happens when you’ve got thick parts and thin parts doing their own thing in the oven.
- Let the yogurt mixture sit for 10 minutes before spreading – This gives all those flavors a chance to mingle and get acquainted, plus the mixture thickens up just enough to stick better instead of sliding right off like it’s on a water slide.
- Use a meat thermometer, seriously – I know it feels like overkill, but 165°F internal temperature is your golden ticket to juicy chicken that won’t send anyone to flavor disappointment town.
- Don’t skip the resting time – Let that chicken sit for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven, because cutting into it immediately is like opening a present before Christmas morning, except the present is all your delicious juices running away.
- Double-check your oven temperature – Some ovens run hot, some run cold, and some apparently have commitment issues and can’t decide what temperature they actually want to be, so an oven thermometer might save your dinner.
- Pat the chicken completely dry first – Any moisture on the surface will turn your beautiful golden coating into something that looks more like it went through a washing machine cycle.
Nutritional Facts
This protein-packed dinner delivers serious nutritional value without the guilt.
- High in protein – Each serving provides approximately 35-40 grams of protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, supporting muscle maintenance and keeping you satisfied longer.
- Good source of calcium – The combination of Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese delivers about 15-20% of your daily calcium needs for strong bones and teeth.
- Probiotics from Greek yogurt – Contains beneficial bacteria that support digestive health and may boost immune function.
- Lower in calories than breaded alternatives – At roughly 280-320 calories per serving, it’s considerably lighter than traditional breaded chicken dishes.
- Rich in phosphorus – Provides about 25% of daily phosphorus needs, essential for bone health and energy metabolism.
- Contains B vitamins – Chicken is an excellent source of niacin and B6, important for energy production and brain function.
- Moderate sodium content – Contains approximately 400-500mg sodium per serving, which is reasonable for a seasoned dish.
- Low in saturated fat – Only about 3-4 grams of saturated fat per serving when using bone-in, skin-removed chicken breasts.
- Gluten-free option available – Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions or crushed nuts for those with dietary restrictions.
Fun “Did You Know?”
Did you know that Greek yogurt contains twice as much protein as regular yogurt? I find this fascinating because it makes our chicken recipe even more nutritious.
Here’s another cool fact: Parmesan cheese gets its name from the Italian regions of Parma and Reggio Emilia, where it’s been made for over 900 years.
When you combine these two protein powerhouses in one dish, you’re creating something that’s both delicious and incredibly satisfying. The tangy Greek yogurt also acts as a natural meat tenderizer, making your chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
