This yogurt marinated grilled chicken is super juicy and bursting with flavor. The yogurt keeps the chicken tender while the spices add a tasty kick!
I love how easy this meal is for any weeknight dinner. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! It’s perfect with a side salad or some rice—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt is ideal here because it’s thick and adds creaminess. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative. Just check that it’s unsweetened.
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor a lot! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove). However, I personally love using fresh for that punchy taste.
Spices: The spices are essential for flavor. If you can’t find ground coriander, you can use cumin or a spice blend like garam masala. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for marinating, but you could use vegetable oil or even avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point for grilling.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Well-Marinated?
Marinating the chicken in yogurt is key to achieving tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Mix the marinade well to combine all spices evenly. The yogurt texture helps penetrate the meat for extra flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Use your hands or a utensil to spread the marinade thoroughly.
- For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes!
After marination, don’t forget to let excess marinade drip off before grilling. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks!
Delicious Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate overnight will enhance the flavors even more. After marinating, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes to grill the chicken. Perfect for a delicious meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well until all ingredients are combined. This flavorful marinade is what makes the chicken so tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the yogurt marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or if you can, overnight for even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat that over medium-high as well. After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and allow any excess marinade to drip off (but don’t rinse them). Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they have lovely grill marks, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top. Enjoy your delicious yogurt marinated chicken thighs with lemon wedges and a side of your choice, like a salad, rice, or pita bread. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary; bone-in pieces will take longer to cook, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can substitute regular plain yogurt or even sour cream in this recipe. If using regular yogurt, it may have a thinner consistency, so try to drain some of the liquid beforehand to keep the marinade thick and clingy.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that marinating for too long can sometimes make the chicken a bit too tangy. If you’re going longer, check the flavor halfway through!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover yogurt marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
