Description
Succulent Greek yogurt marinated chicken brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table. Zesty herbs, tangy yogurt, and perfectly grilled meat create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 ¼ pounds (1.02 kilograms) boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 7 thighs), or chicken breasts (about 5)
Yogurt Marinade Base:
- ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
Spices and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (can adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful marinade by thoroughly whisking Greek yogurt with selected seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Transfer chicken pieces into a large, sealable plastic storage bag, ensuring ample space for even coating.
- Gently pour the prepared yogurt marinade directly over the chicken, distributing the mixture to completely envelop each piece.
- Carefully eliminate excess air from the bag and seal tightly, then massage the marinade into the chicken to guarantee comprehensive coverage.
- Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, with optimal flavor development occurring between 8 hours for chicken breasts and 24 hours for chicken thighs.
- Heat a gas grill to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius), meticulously cleaning the grates and applying a light brush of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place marinated chicken on the preheated grill, cooking each side for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured at the thickest portion using an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken effortlessly with Greek yogurt’s natural enzymes, creating a mouthwatering, juicy result.
- Marinate between 2-24 hours depending on chicken cut, allowing deeper flavor penetration and maximum tenderness.
- Seal marinade bag carefully, ensuring even coating and preventing potential cross-contamination.
- Maintain proper grilling temperature at 425°F for perfect external char and internal moisture.
- Use instant-read thermometer to confirm safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing fully cooked chicken.
- Clean and lightly oil grill grates beforehand to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 488 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg