This Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, making each bite super tasty and tender.
You just mix yogurt with some spices, coat the chicken, and let it sit. It’s so simple, even I can’t mess it up! Plus, it’s perfect for grilling or baking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the show! Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt. It won’t be as thick, but it will still work well.
Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs for their juiciness! If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts too, but they may dry out quicker.
Spices: Spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric give great flavor. If you’re missing any, feel free to switch things up! You could try adding garam masala for a unique twist or even Italian herbs if you prefer that flavor profile.
Chili Powder: This adds heat, but feel free to leave it out if you want it milder! If you love spice, increase it or add fresh chopped jalapeños for that kick.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken?
Marinating is essential for infusing flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, mix all your marinade ingredients well; this ensures even coating.
- Add your chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered with the yogurt. This helps in flavor absorption.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. For juicy chicken, the longer the marination (up to overnight), the better!
When you’re ready to grill, shake off any excess marinade to avoid flare-ups. Happy cooking!
Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 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 olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. For the best flavor, I’d recommend marinating overnight if you can! Then, grilling the chicken will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for a total of around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This marinade is key for flavor and tenderness!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring 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, or preferably 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the better the flavors will soak in, and your chicken will be so tender!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to keep the chicken from sticking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, shaking off any excess yogurt. Place the chicken thighs directly on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken has nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter and garnish it with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges for a sprinkle of fresh citrus right before eating!
Enjoy this delicious and easy yogurt marinated chicken! Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ for Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but be mindful that they may dry out faster than thighs. To avoid this, consider marinating for the full time and keeping an eye on them while grilling to ensure they don’t overcook.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular plain yogurt or even coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. The texture might be slightly thinner, but it will still add great flavor and tenderness to the chicken.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, but it’s best if you can let it sit for 4-6 hours or even overnight. Just make sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can begin to break down the chicken too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. To keep the chicken moist, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
