Print

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Print Recipe

Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with bright, tangy notes from a yogurt-based marinade. This dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The marinade not only enhances taste but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture with an irresistible zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a smooth and flavorful marinade base.
  2. Coat the Chicken Thoroughly: Place the chicken pieces in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and use your hands or a spoon to ensure each piece is fully coated with the yogurt mixture, allowing the spices and tenderizing agents to work evenly.
  3. Marinate: Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This soaking period guarantees tender and flavorful meat.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The yogurt will help create a beautiful sear while keeping the chicken moist inside.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Choose full-fat yogurt for richer flavor and better clinging to the chicken.
  • Don’t skip the marinating time; longer marination improves tenderness and flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to avoid steaming and ensure a good sear.
  • Use uniform-sized chicken pieces to promote even cooking.
  • Adjust spices to your preference, starting mild and increasing as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: yogurt marinated chicken, tender chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken marinade, Indian chicken marinade, grilled chicken

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/yogurt-marinated-chicken/