Why Make This Recipe
Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a delicious dish that brings tender and juicy chicken full of flavor to your dinner table. The yogurt marinade not only helps to tenderize the meat but also adds a rich taste that everyone will love. It’s a healthy option too, packed with protein while being easy to prepare and cook. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets (I used 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:
- Combine the chicken marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking, about 20 minutes.
- Cook the chicken by your preferred method:
- Pan fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Serve the Yogurt Marinated Chicken with your choice of sides like rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also garnish it with extra chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or a yogurt dipping sauce.
How to Store Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. If you have leftover marinated chicken that hasn’t been cooked, keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.
Tips to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for longer, ideally overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Feel free to add more spices or herbs to the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
Variations
You can customize your yogurt marinade by adding different spices or using different types of yogurt, such as flavored varieties for a twist. You can also swap chicken cutlets for thighs or drumsticks for a different texture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use yogurt other than Greek yogurt?
Yes, regular plain yogurt will also work, but Greek yogurt is better for marinating as it’s thicker and creates a more flavorful coating.
Q2: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be thawed in the refrigerator before cooking.
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets I used 8 pieces
- ½ cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lemon (juiced, about ¼ cup)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine)
- ½ tsp salt or more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp coriander
- ¼ tsp cumin
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the chicken marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking, about 20 minutes.
Cooking
- Cook the chicken by your preferred method: Pan fry - Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Air fry - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Bake - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
