Day Before Chicken
Discover the irresistible magic of "Day Before Chicken," a flavorful and easy make-ahead recipe that transforms simple chicken thighs into a succulent and aromatic masterpiece. The secret lies in its overnight marinade—a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice infused with bold spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. This marination process ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Perfectly baked to golden, crispy-skinned perfection in just 35 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy schedules, letting you prep the night before and cook with ease the next day. Serve it with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for a versatile and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Make sure all sides of the chicken are evenly covered.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 12 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a roasting pan, skin-side up.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2357 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.2 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.1 g | 236% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 754 mg | 251% | |
| Sodium | 4371 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.8 g | ||
| Protein | 188.2 g | 376% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 449 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 2204 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
