Yogurt Marinade for Chicken
Transform your chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece with this tangy and aromatic yogurt marinade! Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, fresh cilantro, and a perfectly balanced blend of spices—cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for heat—this marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken that’s infused with vibrant flavor in every bite. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this recipe is quick to prep (just 10 minutes!) and perfect for creating a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re preparing boneless or bone-in cuts, marinating the chicken overnight guarantees a deliciously succulent result that pairs beautifully with rice, salads, or roasted veggies. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this easy yogurt marinade for chicken!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 pounds chicken (boneless or bone-in)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and olive oil to create the marinade base.
Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined.
Mix in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring to evenly distribute the spices.
Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro for an herby freshness.
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and discard any excess marinade before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for boneless cuts or until juices run clear for bone-in pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1977 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.8 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 796 mg | 265% | |
| Sodium | 3124 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g | ||
| Protein | 307.6 g | 615% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 451 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 2896 mg | 62% | |
*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.
