This yogurt marinated chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! Using yogurt makes the meat super soft, while spices add a tasty twist.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix the yogurt and spices, coat the chicken, and let it chill! You can cook it on the grill or in the oven. Yum! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness. If you want a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they cook faster!
Yogurt: Use plain yogurt for the marinade. Greek yogurt is thicker and will give a creamy coating, while regular yogurt is lighter. You can substitute with dairy-free yogurt if you need a vegan option.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice really brightens up the flavor. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice works well too. Avoid bottled lemon juice when possible for the freshest taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that punch of flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Spices: The spices really make this dish! If you’re out of ground coriander or smoked paprika, try using cumin or taco seasoning instead. Be playful with the spice levels and find your favorite mix.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks on Chicken?
Getting those lovely grill marks and keeping the chicken juicy is easy with a few steps. First, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. The right temperature helps sear the meat beautifully.
- Oil the grill grates lightly before placing the chicken on them.
- Place the chicken on the grill and avoid moving it for better grill marks—cook for 5-7 minutes on one side before flipping.
- For those perfect grill marks, place the chicken on a diagonal to the grates. After 3 minutes, give it a quarter turn, then flip and do the same on the other side.
- Always check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked through, but not dry!
Easy Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prep and you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—ideally overnight—to let those flavors soak in. Grill it for about 10-14 minutes, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder (if you like a kick), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This will be our delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, leave it overnight for even better flavor and tenderness.
3. Ready the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade—give it a little shake to remove excess but don’t wipe it off completely. Place the thighs on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have those lovely grill marks. Try to avoid overcooking so they stay juicy!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side—perfect for squeezing over the chicken for extra zing.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender yogurt marinated grilled chicken! It pairs wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may cook faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to avoid drying them out.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours, but for the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend marinating it overnight in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it covered!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of moisture if needed to keep it from drying out.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. This way, it will be ready to cook whenever you are!
