This yogurt marinated chicken is super tender and packed with flavor! Marinating in creamy yogurt helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken a delicious zing that everyone will love.
I adore how this dish is ready after a soak in the fridge and a quick roast or grill. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re showing off for guests! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, perfect for marinating. If you can’t find plain yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or even plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: It adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work great too!
Garlic and Ginger: These are essential for that aromatic kick. If fresh isn’t available, you can use powdered versions, although fresh is always better when you can get it.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, and paprika provide warmth and depth. Feel free to substitute with taco seasoning or curry powder for a different flavor profile!
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs offer more flavor and moisture, but boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used. Just watch the cooking time, as breasts will cook faster.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender chicken lies in the marination process. Yogurt is fantastic for this since its acidity helps break down proteins, making the chicken super tender. Follow these steps:
- Mix the marinade ingredients vigorously. You want all those delicious flavors to combine well.
- Coat the chicken well in the marinade. Ensure every piece gets a good amount of flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate! For the best results, let it marinate for at least 1 hour but overnight is ideal.
- When grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for mixing the marinade and coating the chicken, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (overnight is best!). Grilling will take about 15-20 minutes. So, plan on roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours total, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well to create a smooth marinade that’s full of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated in the delicious mix. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight will give you the best flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are all ashed over. Take the chicken out of the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off (but don’t rinse it off!). Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C), which means it’s fully cooked. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a platter and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken. Enjoy your flavorful yogurt marinated chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cook times will vary – breasts might cook a little faster, while drumsticks could take a bit longer. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked through!
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can use regular plain yogurt as a substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and in a similar quantity as the recipe calls for. If you like a thicker marinade, you can strain regular yogurt using a cheesecloth or coffee filter to achieve a Greek yogurt texture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken will absorb, but be careful not to marinate for more than 24 hours as the acid in the yogurt can make the chicken texture mushy!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent it from drying out. You can add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture while reheating.
