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Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken
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This easy yogurt marinated chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with a tangy and aromatic blend of spices. Using plain full-fat yogurt as the base, the marinade tenderizes the meat while adding rich flavor, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Versatile for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, the dish comes together with minimal ingredients and simple steps, offering a healthy and flavorful meal option enhanced by protein-rich yogurt and vibrant spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

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

Chicken

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the bowl or a large resealable plastic bag. Ensure each piece is fully coated with the yogurt marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 to 4 hours, to maximize tenderness and flavor infusion.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to promote better searing. Cook the chicken pieces for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), adjusting time according to thickness.
  4. Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, alongside your choice of side dishes.

Notes

  • Use Full-Fat Yogurt: For best texture and creaminess, which keeps the chicken moist.
  • Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate between 3 to 6 hours to avoid overly breaking down the chicken’s texture.
  • Pat Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess marinade helps achieve a nice sear and caramelization.
  • Even Sizing: Cut chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking and to prevent dryness.
  • Flavor Layers: Optionally sprinkle additional spices on the chicken just before cooking for enhanced taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: yogurt marinated chicken, easy chicken marinade, tender chicken recipe, healthy chicken, grilled chicken, baked chicken, pan-fried chicken, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken dinner

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