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5.0 from 57 votes

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

A serious flavor upgrade for chicken! Made with chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) that have been soaked in a Greek yogurt based marinade that's brimming with earthy spices, and a fresh lemon-herb flavor.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 7
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Yogurt Marinade
  • 2/3 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper (can adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
Chicken
  • 2 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 7 thighs), or chicken breasts (about 5)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a mixing bowl whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, pepper and cilantro.
  2. Place chicken in a gallon size resealable freezer bag. Pour yogurt marinade over chicken.
  3. Seal bag while pressing excess air out. Rub marinade evenly over chicken.
  4. Let rest in fridge at least 2 hours (or up to 8 hours for breasts, 24 hours for thighs).
  5. Preheat a gas grill to 425 degrees. Clean grill grates and lightly brush with oil (using a balled up oiled paper towel and long tongs).
  6. Grill chicken until cooked through (165 on an instant read thermometer in center of thickest portion) about 5 to 7 minutes per side.

Notes

  • Note that if you'd like to keep exterior of chicken from drying you can brush lightly with olive oil halfway through grilling.