This Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken is tender and packed with flavor! The yogurt makes the chicken juicy, while spices add a tasty kick. It’s perfect for grilling or baking!
I love how simple the marinade is! Just mix yogurt with your favorite herbs and spices, coat the chicken, and let it sit. It’s a no-fuss way to impress your friends at dinner! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy while cooking. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too, but they might need less marinating for tenderness.
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a tangy flavor. Can’t find Greek yogurt? Regular yogurt or even a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt works well as substitutes.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander provides a warm, aromatic taste. Feel free to switch things up based on what you have! Italian seasoning or curry powder can be interesting twists.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness to the dish. If you’re out of lemons, vinegar—like apple cider or white wine—can add similar acidity.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Juicy?
Marinating chicken is key to delicious, tender meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade thoroughly to ensure all seasonings blend well, which helps flavor the chicken.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but longer (4 hours or overnight) is better. This gives the yogurt time to break down the proteins, aiding tenderness.
- Once done, let any excess marinade drip off before grilling. It prevents burning on the grill and allows for a nice char.
With these tips, you’ll get perfectly juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your meal! 🌟
Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Time Needed
This Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation. After that, you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 4 hours or overnight is ideal to enhance the flavors. Once you’re ready to cook, grilling will take about 15 minutes. In total, expect around 1 hour and 30 minutes including marination and grilling time!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder (if using), salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until it’s well combined to create a creamy marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a large resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to soak in, but for the best taste, aim for 4 hours or even overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates, or brush the chicken with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and you see those beautiful grill marks.
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it juicier when you slice it.
6. Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze over the chicken.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are moist and flavorful, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! Regular plain yogurt works well as a substitute. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt. Just make sure it’s unflavored to keep the marinade balanced.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but it’s best to let it soak for 4 hours or even overnight. Just don’t exceed 24 hours, as the yogurt can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving. Enjoy!
