Print

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
Print Recipe

Tender and flavorful Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken that is quick to prepare, juicy, and perfect for healthy weeknight dinners. The creamy yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon, and vibrant spices tenderizes the chicken while delivering a delicious tangy and smoky flavor. Suitable for grilling or baking, this versatile dish is easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)

Marinade

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful and balanced marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a resealable bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 8 hours, or overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Whether using an outdoor charcoal grill, gas grill, or indoor grill pan, aim for a searing temperature that cooks the chicken without drying it out.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off to prevent flare-ups. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear. The chicken should remain juicy and flavorful.
  5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender bites. Serve with your preferred sides or fresh garnishes.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer (up to overnight) for extra tenderness and flavor penetration.
  • Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs can be used for juicier results with slightly longer cooking time.
  • Adjust spices gradually; add chili or cayenne pepper for heat if desired.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill; leave space between pieces for even cooking.
  • Allow chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken, Healthy Grilled Chicken

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