Yogurt Marinated Chicken
A simple and flavorful dish that features chicken marinated in a creamy, zesty yogurt mixture combined with spices, ensuring juicy and tender results.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek yogurt is preferable)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of plain yogurt.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Incorporate 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if desired. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Add 2 pounds of chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For grilling, place the chicken directly on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- If baking, arrange the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a complete meal, serve with a side of couscous or basmati rice, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. To enhance flavors, marinate overnight and use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).