This easy yogurt marinated chicken is juicy and full of flavor! The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, making it super tasty and perfect for grilling or baking.
I love how simple this recipe is. Just mix yogurt with your favorite spices, coat the chicken, and let it sit. You can have a delicious meal with hardly any fuss—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the dish! It tenderizes the chicken while adding creaminess and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt.
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Spices: The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric packs a punch. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, or you can add a dash of cayenne for some heat!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh gives the best taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Comes Out Juicy?
To keep your chicken super juicy, marinating it for a longer time really helps. Ideally, let it sit overnight. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also breaks down proteins for excellent tenderness.
- Mix all ingredients well to create a thick marinade.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and cover it to refrigerate. This is where the magic happens!
- When grilling, be sure to preheat your grill. Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve those delicious grill marks and caramelization.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Remove chicken at 165°F (75°C) for juicy bites.
Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours of marinating time, preferably overnight for the best flavor. After marinating, it takes around 10-15 minutes to grill, making it a quick yet delicious meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, start by combining the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This delicious marinade will give your chicken amazing flavor!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, overnight is even better! It helps the chicken become tender and flavorful.
3. Grill Time!
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and develop lovely grill marks. For safety, ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top just before eating for that extra zing!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful yogurt marinated grilled chicken! Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work fine, but be careful as they can dry out more easily than thighs. Make sure to not overcook them; aim for a cooking time of about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of smoked paprika and eliminate any extra spice. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just remember that the longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become, but if left too long (over 24 hours), the texture may become mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture during reheating.
Feel free to explore and adjust this recipe to make it your own! Enjoy cooking!
