– **Title**: Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for best flavor).
3. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Slice the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
This dish is perfect served with a side salad, rice, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the dish! It tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond yogurt instead.
Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner cut, go for chicken breasts. Just be aware they might need less marinating time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts flavor significantly. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, though fresh is always my choice for the best taste.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons add brightness! You can substitute with lime for a different zing, but I prefer traditional lemon to keep the classic flavor.
Herbs: Fresh mint or parsley are excellent for garnish. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can work, but use them sparingly.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating is essential for this recipe to really bring out flavors. For maximum taste, aim to marinate the chicken overnight. It allows the yogurt and spices to soak in deeply.
- Mix the marinade thoroughly in a bowl before adding chicken. This ensures every bite is flavored.
- Use a resealable plastic bag for marinating; it’s easier to coat the chicken and saves space in your fridge.
- Make sure to let the excess marinade drip off before grilling to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
Don’t rush the resting time after grilling either. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. Enjoy!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley)
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek yogurt marinated chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need at least 2 hours to marinate the chicken (or ideally overnight) for the best taste. Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. It’s a bit of waiting, but the flavor is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it well so that everything is combined into a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to coat the chicken thoroughly so each piece is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. This will help enhance the flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char on the outside.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken into pieces and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices to make it look pretty!
5. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the chicken with some warm pita bread or a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be a great substitute. Just keep in mind that they can dry out more quickly than thighs, so be sure to monitor the cooking time. You might want to marinate them for a shorter time, around 1-2 hours, to keep them tender.
What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can substitute with regular plain yogurt, but the texture might be a bit thinner. If you have sour cream, that would work too! Just remember that these alternatives might slightly alter the flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil can help keep it moist!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for longer than overnight, but I wouldn’t recommend going beyond 24 hours. The acidity from the lemon juice can start to change the texture of the chicken, making it mushy if left too long. Aim for a delicious flavor without compromising the texture!
