Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! The yogurt helps keep the chicken tender, while spices add a tasty kick. Perfect for grilling or baking!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that’s easy and delicious? I like to serve these thighs with rice or a fresh salad. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are my go-to. They stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. You can also use skinless thighs or drumsticks if that’s your preference. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier marinade, but regular yogurt works just fine too. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut milk or a plant-based yogurt alternative; it will add a different flavor, but will still help tenderize the chicken.
Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for a richer flavor, but any cooking oil will do. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you could skip it, but a little oil does help the spices stick and create a nice crust on the grill.
Spices: Ground cumin and coriander give this dish a lovely earthy flavor. If you don’t have these on hand, try using curry powder or garam masala for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the amounts to taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender, flavorful chicken lies in marinating. Yogurt is great for this because its enzymes break down protein, making the chicken super tender. Follow these steps:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Make sure the yogurt gets fully blended with the spices.
- Add the chicken. Use your hands if necessary to coat every piece thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight is even better! This allows flavors to penetrate deeply.
After marinating, be sure to shake off excess before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Happy grilling!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on preferred)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation time and at least 2 hours for marinating the chicken. For best results, it’s a good idea to marinate the chicken overnight. Once ready to cook, grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. So, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 35 minutes total, with most of that time being hands-off while the chicken marinates.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything nicely until it forms a smooth marinade. This flavorful mix will help tenderize and season the chicken beautifully!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is well-coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, let it sit overnight for the best flavor.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s also a good idea to lightly oil the grill grates. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make flipping easier!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the fridge. Remove them from the marinade and shake off any excess bits. Discard the leftover marinade because it has raw chicken juices. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’ll want to keep an eye on them and check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char.
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to settle, keeping the chicken tender. Finally, garnish your chicken with fresh cilantro and serve it up with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so be sure to check their internal temperature earlier, aiming for 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! Regular plain yogurt can be substituted for Greek yogurt without any issues. It may produce slightly different textures, but the flavor will still be delicious. You can also use non-dairy yogurt if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
The longer you marinate, the better! For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, but if you can, overnight is best. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated during that time.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature. Broil for the last few minutes if you’d like to add some extra color!
