Delicious yogurt marinated chicken dish garnished with herbs on a plate

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

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What is Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and various spices. The yogurt helps to tenderize the meat while adding moisture and taste. This dish is often grilled, baked, or sautéed for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Making Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a great way to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal. The yogurt adds a creamy texture, while the spices create a rich flavor that brings the chicken to life. It’s simple to prepare and can be customized based on your taste preferences. Plus, marinating the chicken allows the flavors to soak in, making it more tender and juicy.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets (about 8)
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 lemon (juiced, about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

Directions for Yogurt Marinated Chicken:

  1. Combine the chicken marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  2. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least an hour or up to 24 hours to let the flavors blend.
  4. Before cooking, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  5. For cooking, you can choose one of the following methods:
    • Pan fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
    • Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink in the center.
    • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken can be served with a side of rice, salad, or vegetables. You can slice it up and add it to wraps, pita bread, or enjoy it on its own. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving enhances its flavor.

How to Store Yogurt Marinated Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the marinated chicken before cooking; just be sure to use it within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Tips to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken

  • For extra flavor, try adding different herbs or spices to the marinade.
  • Ensure the chicken is coated well to get the best flavor.
  • Marinating longer will result in more tender chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.

Variation

For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. You can also substitute chicken cutlets with thighs or drumsticks for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt, but full-fat yogurt provides a creamier texture.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.

3. What can I serve with Yogurt Marinated Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

4. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavor and is a great option.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

A flavorful dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, resulting in tender and juicy meat, perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1.5-2 lbs chicken cutlets About 8 cutlets
  • 0.5 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 each lemon (juiced) About 1/4 cup of juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine)
  • 0.5 tsp salt Or more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 tsp coriander
  • 0.25 tsp cumin

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the chicken marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  2. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least an hour or up to 24 hours to let the flavors blend.
  4. Before cooking, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Cooking
  1. For cooking, you can choose one of the following methods: pan fry, air fry, or bake.
  2. Pan fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink in the center.
  4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Notes

Serve with a side of rice, salad, or vegetables. Slice it up for wraps or pita bread. For extra flavor, try adding different herbs or spices to the marinade.

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