Name: Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-487387H26M20S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

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If you’re searching for a sensational way to transform ordinary chicken into a succulent, flavor-packed main course, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe is absolute magic! Creamy Greek yogurt hugs every bite, locking in moisture while a hint of lemon, smoked paprika, and aromatic spices take the chicken to seriously crave-worthy heights. Whether you’re a grilling master or oven devotee, this is a recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again — it’s a true celebration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, all with minimal fuss.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with a handful of ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each one brings its own personality to the party, whether it’s tang, color, smokiness, or a pop of freshness. Let’s take a look at what makes each item essential for the best Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for a tender, juicy result; thighs offer extra richness, while breasts are leaner and just as delicious.
Plain Greek yogurt: This is the secret to both tenderness and tang — the acidity works its magic on the chicken as it marinates.
Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps the marinade coat every inch of the chicken.
Garlic, minced: Gives the marinade its savory, aromatic heart — don’t be shy!
Lemon juice: Brings brightness and a lovely bit of zing that balances the creamy yogurt.
Lemon zest: Uses the aromatic oils in the skin to give you intense lemony fragrance and flavor.
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, this spice adds Mediterranean depth to every bite.
Smoked paprika: Provides gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color, especially when grilling.
Ground coriander: Slightly citrusy, this spice adds complexity and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Turmeric: For sunshine-yellow color and a gentle, earthy flavor boost.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors in your marinade.
Black pepper: Just a touch, for pleasant bite and balance.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped and showered over the finished dish, these herbs add color and a fresh pop to round things out beautifully.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything looks bright, fragrant, and beautifully blended. This is your flavor-packed canvas for juicy chicken!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs right into the bowl with the marinade. Use tongs (or your hands, if you like to get up close and personal with your food) and make sure every piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you have time, let it soak overnight for the most tender and flavorful results!

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If grilling, set your grill to medium heat. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While things are heating up, let the chicken shake off any chill from the fridge for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly and stay juicy.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

For the grill, lay the chicken pieces on the grates and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until you see those gorgeous grill marks and the chicken is cooked through. If baking, arrange the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and let it roast for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The yogurt marinade will create a stunning golden crust!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is hot and juicy, transfer it to a plate and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. It’s now ready to be the star of your table!

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe with a flurry of fresh herbs — parsley brings grassy brightness, while cilantro adds a burst of zesty flavor. You could also add an extra squeeze of lemon for a little more pizzazz, or a handful of pomegranate seeds for color and pop.

Side Dishes

This chicken is a dream alongside fluffy rice pilaf, warm flatbreads, or crisp salads loaded with garden-fresh veggies. Want a classic Mediterranean plate? Serve with grilled veggies, hummus, and a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or herbed couscous work wonderfully!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe into pita wraps with crunchy lettuce, slivers of red onion, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. Slice it for Mediterranean grain bowls or skewer the marinated chunks before grilling for party-perfect kabobs. Leftovers also make a stellar topping for salads and even homemade pizza — let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze. The yogurt keeps the chicken moist so it reheats beautifully!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. For best texture, wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain juiciness.

Reheating

To gently reheat, use the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of broth or water for extra moisture if needed. Sliced cold, it’s also fabulous in salads and wraps!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe; they stay extra juicy and soak up the marinade so well. Either cut works, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the most delicious results, marinate for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, an overnight marination will yield even more tender and flavor-packed chicken. Don’t skip this step, as it really makes a difference!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure all your spices are labeled gluten-free if you have dietary concerns.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap in a thick, dairy-free yogurt made from coconut or almond milk. The result will still be tangy and delicious! Just check the flavor of your alternative yogurt to make sure it pairs well with the spices.

What’s the best way to get a charred flavor if I don’t have a grill?

If you want that flame-kissed taste from your Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe but don’t have a grill, use your oven’s broiler for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning — you’ll get a wonderful charred finish!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe enough — it’s my go-to whenever I want something vibrant, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table (and your meal rotation) faster than you can say “second helpings!” Enjoy every tender, zesty, flavor-packed bite.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes active (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe is a must-try for any occasion. The tangy yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, creating a dish that is succulent and aromatic. Whether grilled or baked, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, prepare the marinade: Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Cook the chicken: Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or bake on a lined sheet for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving hot.