Name: Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks); 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Yogurt marinated chicken is a flavorful, tender dish where chicken is soaked in a spiced yogurt mixture before being grilled, baked, or pan-seared. I love how the yogurt not only adds creaminess and tang but also helps keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor. This is a recipe I often turn to when I want something simple, delicious, and versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time—the marinade does most of the work for me. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the spices and herbs infuse deep flavor. I can cook it any way I like, and it pairs beautifully with rice, flatbreads, or salads. It’s healthy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
Plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
Garlic cloves, minced
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Paprika
Ground turmeric
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I whisk together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices in a bowl until smooth.
I add the chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. I cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but I prefer overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, I preheat the grill, oven, or skillet.
I cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, usually 6–8 minutes per side on the grill or 30–35 minutes in the oven at 400°F, depending on the cut.
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes me around 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 2 hours to marinate (longer is even better). Cooking time depends on the method, usually 20–35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add ginger to the marinade for extra warmth, or I use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor. I’ve also tried this with boneless chicken thighs for quicker grilling or even skewered pieces for kebabs. If I want a creamier sauce, I save a little marinade (before adding raw chicken) and drizzle it over the cooked meat. Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through to keep it moist. It also freezes well for up to 2 months if I store it without the marinade.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt for the marinade?

Yes, I often use Greek yogurt because it’s thick and clings well to the chicken, creating a flavorful coating.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I find at least 2 hours works well, but overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely—I bake it in the oven or cook it in a skillet when grilling isn’t an option.

What sides go best with yogurt marinated chicken?

I like serving it with rice, roasted vegetables, naan, or a fresh salad.

Can I use the marinade as a sauce?

Not if it has touched raw chicken, but I often set some aside before marinating to use as a sauce or drizzle.

Conclusion

Yogurt marinated chicken is one of my favorite go-to recipes for juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. I love how the yogurt and spices transform simple chicken into something vibrant and delicious. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and always hits the spot.