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Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

Section: Flavor Without Gluten

This dish features chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a creamy Greek yogurt blend with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a mix of earthy spices. The marinade infuses the meat with bold flavors and keeps it exceptionally moist and tender while grilling. Fresh herbs and lemon zest add a bright touch, making each bite well-rounded and vibrant. The simple preparation involves whisking the marinade, resting the chicken in the mix, and then grilling it quickly to juicy doneness. Serve with extra herbs or lemon for a fresh finish, and enjoy a satisfying main that's both easy and full of character.

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Contributed by Harper
Last updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 16:44:47 GMT
A plate of yogurt marinated chicken. Save
A plate of yogurt marinated chicken. | flavorrhaven.com

Yogurt Marinated Chicken turns ordinary chicken into something unforgettable with a Greek yogurt marinade loaded with warming spices and lemony brightness. I reach for this recipe when I want something fast yet deeply flavorful for weeknight grilling or casual gatherings.

The first time I tried a yogurt marinade it completely changed how I cook chicken. Now it is one of my most reliable ways to impress dinner guests without any fuss.

Ingredients

  • Whole milk Greek yogurt: adds creamy tang plus tenderizes the chicken try to use a brand with no added sugar for clean flavor
  • Olive oil: brings richness and helps spices adhere choose a fresh bottle for best aroma
  • Lemon juice and zest: add brightness muddle the zest right over the bowl for max oils
  • Minced garlic: provides savory depth freshly minced tastes strongest
  • Fresh ginger: gives a peppery kick peel it just before mincing for juiciest flavor
  • Ground cumin: delivers earthiness always check your spice's freshness by its aroma
  • Ground coriander: supplies gentle citrus notes look for seeds to grind fresh if you can
  • Paprika: adds color and mild smokiness smoked paprika works nicely if you prefer
  • Cayenne pepper: brings gentle heat adjust amount to your spice tolerance
  • Cinnamon: offers warmth just a pinch is plenty
  • Salt and black pepper: enhances and balances all other flavors use kosher salt or flaky sea salt for easier control
  • Chopped cilantro: boosts herbal flavor always use leaves with fresh green color
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: both grill up juicy pick evenly sized pieces for even cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Yogurt Marinade:
Whisk the yogurt olive oil lemon juice lemon zest garlic ginger cumin coriander paprika cayenne cinnamon salt pepper and cilantro in a large bowl until smooth and blended The yogurt should evenly coat the spices without clumping
Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken to a gallon-size resealable bag Pour in the marinade Press excess air from the bag then seal it Massage the bag so every piece is coated from all sides If using a bowl turn and flip chicken until no spots are left out
Let It Marinate:
Refrigerate the sealed chicken and let it soak for at least one hour though more time means deeper flavor Marinate up to eight hours for breasts or overnight for thighs
Prep the Grill:
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high about four hundred twenty five degrees Scrub the grates with a grill brush then brush on a little oil using a paper towel gripped in long tongs
Grill to Perfection:
Place chicken on the hot grates Close the lid Grill for about five to seven minutes per side flipping once halfway Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest spot look for one hundred sixty five degrees Brush lightly with extra olive oil if the chicken looks dry
A plate of yogurt marinated chicken.
A plate of yogurt marinated chicken. | Flavorrhaven.com

I have a soft spot for fresh ginger in this blend The spicy citrus punch keeps the chicken lively and my kids love how the yogurt keeps it mellow not too hot for their tastes

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage slice and freeze the grilled chicken between layers of parchment It reheats best gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth

Ingredient Substitutions

No Greek yogurt Try plain full-fat regular yogurt Avoid low fat as it can be runny

If you do not have fresh ginger use a half teaspoon of ground ginger instead

For a dairy free twist use plain unsweetened coconut yogurt

Serving Suggestions

Pile the chicken over a fresh salad bowl tuck it into warm pita with pickled veggies or slice it over a bed of fluffy rice For a party platter finish with extra cilantro lemon wedges and a drizzle of yogurt sauce

Cultural and Historical Context

Yogurt marinades have been used for centuries in Middle Eastern and South Asian kitchens It is the lactic acid in yogurt that helps break down meat fibers for extra tenderness This recipe brings those global roots to an easy weeknight table

FAQs about Recipes

→ What does yogurt do for the chicken?

Yogurt tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, keeping it juicy and adding a creamy tang to the final flavor.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Marinate up to 8 hours for best results and grill until juicy and cooked through.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

A minimum of 2 hours is best, but longer (up to 8 hours for breasts or 24 hours for thighs) deepens the flavor.

→ What spices are in the marinade?

The marinade combines cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, lemon zest, garlic, and ginger for earthy, aromatic results.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying while grilling?

Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil halfway through grilling or use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

Chicken marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, and spices delivers a well-balanced, juicy bite with every serving.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Contributed by: Harper

Recipe Category: Gluten-Free

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean

Recipe Output: 7 Portion Size

Dietary Features: Low in Carbs, Free from Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Yogurt Marinade

01 160 ml whole milk Greek yogurt
02 30 ml olive oil
03 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 5 ml finely grated lemon zest
05 15 ml minced garlic
06 15 ml peeled and minced fresh ginger
07 5 ml ground cumin
08 5 ml ground coriander
09 5 ml paprika
10 1.25 ml cayenne pepper
11 1.25 ml ground cinnamon
12 5 ml fine salt
13 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 60 ml finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish

→ Chicken

15 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 7 pieces) or chicken breasts (approximately 5 pieces)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro until smooth.

Step 02

Place chicken thighs or breasts into a large resealable freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and remove excess air. Massage marinade evenly over all the pieces to ensure thorough coverage.

Step 03

Transfer the sealed bag to the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours. For deeper flavor, allow up to 8 hours for breasts or up to 24 hours for thighs.

Step 04

Preheat a gas grill to 220°C. Clean the grates thoroughly and brush generously with oil using long tongs and a balled up paper towel to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Arrange marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thickest part. If desired, brush lightly with olive oil halfway through grilling to maintain a moist exterior.

Step 06

Remove cooked chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Marinating the chicken longer intensifies flavors and ensures a more tender result.
  2. If grilling is not available, the chicken can be cooked under a broiler set to high, adjusting cooking times as needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large resealable freezer bag
  • Gas grill
  • Long tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Instant-read thermometer

Allergen Notices

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens and seek expert advice if necessary.
  • Contains milk (dairy products)

Per Serving Nutritional Info

Keep in mind these are general guidelines, not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Proteins: 36 grams