This Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! The yogurt helps make the chicken super tender and adds a nice tang. It’s perfect for grilling or baking!
I’m always amazed at how a simple marinade can totally transform chicken. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—just mix the yogurt and spices, pop in the chicken, and let it marinate. 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work too; just be careful not to overcook them for tenderness.
Plain Yogurt: Both Greek and regular yogurt work well. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt—this will alter the taste slightly, but it still gives a nice tenderness.
Spices: The cumin and coriander are key to the flavor. If you’re missing them, consider using allspice or a curry powder for a different twist. For heat, adjust the chili powder to your liking!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh is always better.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these few tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
- Marinate your chicken for at least an hour. Longer marination means more flavor and tenderness—overnight is best.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Be mindful of cooking time—5-7 minutes per side should do the trick. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving. This helps keep all those juicy flavors inside.
Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to marinate it for at least 1 hour (or ideally overnight) for the best flavor. Then, grilling will take approximately 10-15 minutes. In total, it’s an easy and quick process that will have you enjoying a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the yogurt mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, letting it sit for 4-6 hours or overnight will really enhance the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Give the grill grates a light coating of oil to prevent any sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is nicely charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or flatbread, and you can add a dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce for extra creaminess.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid overcooking, as breasts can dry out more easily than thighs.
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 tender and flavorful your chicken will be. However, beyond 24 hours, the texture may start to change due to the acidity in the yogurt.
What Should I Serve with Yogurt Marinated Chicken?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it with rice, a fresh salad, or warm flatbreads. For a complete meal, consider adding some grilled vegetables or a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Can I Freeze Leftover Marinated Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover marinated chicken! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or a freezer bag. You can freeze it before or after grilling, but it’s best to cook it first for optimal texture. Frozen cooked chicken can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
