Description
Creamy Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a deliciously easy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful marinade made from Greek yogurt and spices. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal. The yogurt not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the chicken remains juicy and succulent, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken to achieve delightful results every time. Served hot alongside your favorite sides, this dish will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- To cook: For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side. For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes. For pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil; cook chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies by method (5–25 minutes)
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking/Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg