Description
Succulent greek yogurt marinated chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with remarkable ease. Herbal notes and tangy yogurt create a juicy, tender protein perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.25 lbs (1.02 kg) chicken thighs or chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) greek yogurt, whole milk
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ cup (15 g) cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt with chosen seasonings in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Chicken Preparation: Transfer chicken into a sealable plastic bag, ensuring enough room for complete coating.
- Marinating Process: Pour yogurt mixture over chicken, massaging thoroughly to achieve uniform coverage, then squeeze out excess air and seal tightly.
- Refrigeration: Marinate chicken in the sealed bag for 2-24 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat gas grill to 425°F, clean grates, and lightly oil to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cooking.
- Grilling Technique: Place marinated chicken on hot grates, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, using an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Resting Stage: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for several minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.
Notes
- Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken soak in Greek yogurt mixture for at least 2 hours, with longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) intensifying flavor and tenderness.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Prevent Sticking Strategies: Lightly oil clean grill grates before cooking to ensure easy chicken removal and beautiful grill marks.
- Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and maintain optimal moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 129 mg