Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken
Description
Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken uses a tangy marinade combining yogurt, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and garlic to tenderize and flavor boneless skinless chicken thighs. Marinating the chicken for at least two hours allows the yogurt’s gentle acidity to soften the meat and infuse citrus notes. The chicken is cooked on a hot grill for about 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, developing a charred and juicy texture.
The recipe includes a simple and bright lemon chive yogurt dip made with plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and fresh chives. The dip provides a cooling accompaniment that balances the grilled chicken. Additionally, burst garlic cherry tomatoes are cooked quickly in olive oil with garlic for a savory side with a slight sweetness and softness.
This combination creates a well-rounded meal featuring tender, flavorful grilled chicken alongside fresh, zesty accompaniments. The yogurt marinade and grilled finish deliver a rich yet tangy profile, and the sides add texture contrast and freshness that highlight the chicken’s savory character.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup PLAIN yogurt I like 2% or whole fat
- 1 lemon all zest freshly grated and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
lemon chive yogurt dip
- 2/3 cup PLAIN yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest from the lemon you juice, fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch smoked paprika
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
burst garlic cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomato
- 2 garlic cloves
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture of the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours or even overnight.
- When ready to grill, preheat your grill to high for at least 10 minutes. Remove the chicken with kitchen tongs and place it directly on the hot grates. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and grill for 5 minutes more. Flip once or twice more for about a minute each, totally your cook time to 10 or 12 minutes. You want the internal temperature of the thighs to be 165 degrees F. Remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
lemon chive yogurt dip
- Whisk together the ingredients in a bowl until combined. This says great in the fridge for a day or two.
burst garlic cherry tomatoes
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add in the tomatoes and toss to coat in the oil. Cook, stirring or shaking the pan often, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic. Cook for another minute then turn off the heat. Stir in the salt and pepper.