Grilled Chicken With Yogurt

This hearty grilled chicken with yogurt marinade has been my secret weapon for dinner parties and family meals for years. The yogurt-based marinade works magic on ordinary chicken, transforming it into a juicy, flavor-packed delight that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

I first discovered this recipe during a summer barbecue at my neighbor's house and begged for the recipe. After tweaking it over several years, this version has become my signature dish that friends request whenever they visit.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt creates a tangy base that tenderizes the chicken while adding richness
• Olive oil helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking on the grill
• Fresh garlic provides essential aromatic flavor that mellows beautifully during cooking
• Lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat further
• Ground cumin brings earthy warmth that pairs perfectly with yogurt
• Paprika contributes rich color and sweet peppery notes
• Turmeric offers beautiful golden color and subtle earthy flavor
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the final dish with color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

Combine yogurt with olive oil until smooth and creamy, then add minced garlic ensuring it's finely chopped for even distribution. Incorporate lemon juice and zest, whisking gently to combine. Add all dry spices mixing thoroughly until the marinade turns a beautiful golden color with specks of herbs throughout.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts or thighs in a glass or ceramic dish avoiding metal which can react with the acidic ingredients. Pour the marinade over the chicken, using your hands to massage it into every crevice ensuring complete coverage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours though overnight produces the most tender results.

Preheat and Prepare

Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking which is crucial for yogurt marinades.

Grill with Precision

Place chicken on the preheated grill at a 45degree angle for perfect grill marks. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until edges become opaque. Flip only once using tongs not forks to avoid piercing and losing precious juices. Cook another 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F in the thickest part.

Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil allowing it to rest for exactly 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring perfect moisture in every bite. Slice against the grain before serving for maximum tenderness.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the beautiful caramelization that happens when the yogurt marinade hits the hot grill. The first time I made this for my family, my daughter proclaimed it was better than restaurant chicken which has been my proudest cooking moment to date.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

This grilled chicken shines brightest when served alongside complementary sides that enhance its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice provides refreshing contrast to the warm spiced chicken. For a heartier meal, serve over fluffy basmati rice that will soak up any extra juices from the chicken. During summer months, I love to serve this with grilled vegetables that can cook alongside the chicken, maximizing grill space and adding beautiful charred flavors to the entire meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

The beauty of this yogurt marinated chicken lies in its flexibility for busy schedules. You can prepare the marinade up to three days in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. Once cooked, the chicken maintains its moisture better than other grilled chicken recipes when stored properly. For best results, cool the chicken completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated chicken stays juicy for up to four days. When reheating, I recommend warming it gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil and a splash of water to maintain moisture rather than microwaving which can toughen the meat.

Mastering the Yogurt Marinade

The yogurt marinade is truly the hero of this recipe, performing multiple culinary functions simultaneously. The lactic acid in yogurt gently breaks down proteins in the chicken without making it mushy like stronger acids might. For best results, use full fat Greek yogurt which adheres better to the chicken and provides richness. The thickness of Greek yogurt also allows the spices to stay suspended rather than settling at the bottom of thinner yogurts. If your marinade seems too thick to easily coat the chicken, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the longer you marinate, the more pronounced the flavor will be, though beyond 24 hours provides diminishing returns.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination (8-12 hours) will develop deeper flavors and more tender texture. The yogurt enzymes work to tenderize the meat while the spices infuse throughout.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and often result in even juicier results due to their higher fat content. Adjust grilling time accordingly, as thighs may require a few extra minutes of cooking.

→ What's the best yogurt to use for the marinade?

Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best results as it has less water content and clings better to the chicken. The thicker consistency creates a better coating, and the higher fat content helps prevent the chicken from drying out during grilling.

→ Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake the marinated chicken in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get some charring similar to grilling.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with Mediterranean sides like tabbouleh, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables. It's also excellent with basmati rice, flatbreads like naan or pita, or a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce like tzatziki.

→ Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

Yes, you can combine the raw chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for an excellent meal prep option. When ready to cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.