For the most delicate chicken, try this simple yogurt marinated Chicken recipe, which calls for grilling boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) in a Greek yogurt marinade.
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Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This simple yogurt marinade is what makes these grilled yogurt-marinated chicken thighs (or breasts) so moist and flavorful. It just takes a few minutes to prepare this easy yogurt marinade, which tastes great with loads of garlic, oregano, red vinegar, and turmeric. Yogurt is my favorite marinade because it makes the chicken so tender! When I want to turn this into a dinner, I prefer to serve it with a Greek salad dressed with tzatziki or as a rice bowl with rice pilaf and cucumbers. This may also be prepared in an air fryer or skillet!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does marinating chicken in yogurt do?
The chicken is gradually made more soft and juicy by marinating it in Greek yogurt. Meat may be tenderized with yogurt in a mild and efficient manner. Yogurt gently breaks down the proteins in the flesh, giving it the most soft texture, whereas acidic chicken marinades can toughen the meat and make it rubbery.
How long can chicken marinate in yogurt?
The chicken will become more tender and tasty the longer it marinates. You may do it for up to eight hours, but I suggest at least one hour. You don’t want to marinate it for too long because it contains vinegar.
Do you wipe off yogurt marinade?
On the meat, where all the taste is concentrated, you want a thin, uniform coating of yogurt. Overindulging will cause it to burn on the grill
How long does it take for yogurt to tenderize chicken?
You may marinate the meat for up to eight hours, but the yogurt marinade chicken begins to work in as little as one.
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Ingredients
The following ingredients will help you prepare this nutritious Greek yogurt marinade for two pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts:
- Greek Yogurt: I use 1% plain Greek yogurt, but full fat or nonfat will also work.
- To thin the yogurt and add flavor, combine it with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Garlic: Finely cut five garlic cloves.
- Seasonings: dried oregano, turmeric, salt, and optional red pepper flakes
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
- In a large mixing basin, combine all of the marinade ingredients.
- Stir in the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight hours, covered with plastic wrap or transferred to a big resealable plastic bag.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-low heat before grilling the chicken. Season the chicken with salt and red pepper and oil the grill grates or grill pan. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear. Using a food thermometer, ensure that they are fully cooked. If you don’t have a grill, use a cast iron skillet, air fryer, or griddle.
- Serve with lemon wedges and garnished with parsley.
How to Store Leftover Chicken
This chicken is ideal for dinner preparation. Grilled chicken may be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. You may eat it cold or reheat it in the microwave. Freeze it in an airtight jar in the freezer for up to three months, then defrost it in the refrigerator.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Orange Chicken
- Baked Chicken Thighs with Brussels and Sweet Potato
- Autumn Kale Salad with Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Recipe Card
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt Marinade:
- 1/2 cup 1% plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for sprinkling
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs 8 pieces total (fat trimmed)
- fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Whisk together the yogurt, oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, turmeric, salt, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing basin.
- Stir in the chicken to coat. Refrigerate for at least one hour and up to eight hours, covered.
- Preheat an outside grill or grill pan (or a cast iron skillet) to medium-low heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and oil the grill grates or grill pan.
- Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes each side, or until golden brown and cooked through in the thickest portion of the bird.
- Serve with lemon wedges and garnished with parsley.
Air Fryer Method
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side at 400°F.