You get fresh and bright flavours with this yogurt marinated chicken. Choose your cooking option for foolproof perfect chicken every time.
This yogurt marinated chicken is perfect for the grill. Although we provide alternative cooking methods if you’re in the mood for that BBQ char you will get it with these chicken drumsticks.
The freshness of the herbs and sourness of the yogurt transform the chicken into the perfect texture and flavour.
This marinade is perfect to prepare in the morning and let the chicken be transformed throughout the day. Then, at dinner time, all you have to go is enjoy a beverage by the grill.
Preparing Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Chop the herbs and juice a lemon.
Tip: Before juicing the lemon, roll it under your palm a couple of times to release the juices (see video above).
Combine all of the marinade ingredients (except the chicken) in a large bowl. If you prefer to marinate the chicken in a sealed silicone or Ziploc bag, use a small bowl to make the marinade and transfer it to the bag with the chicken.
Tip: If you like a sauce on your chicken, put aside a ¼ cup of the marinade before adding the chicken to top your cooked chicken for added moisture and flavour.
Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken to the bowl (or transfer both to a silicone/plastic bag). Coat all the chicken pieces fully with the marinade, seal/cover, and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 90 minutes is ideal. I often make the marinade around lunchtime and keep the chicken in the fridge marinating until I am ready to grill.
When you’re ready to grill, turn on the BBQ and heat to 400°F. Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the grill. Do not scrape off any of the marinade, just leave the chicken with whatever marinade is on it. Discard any remaining marinade. Do not reuse.
How to Grill Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Close the grill for about 5 minutes. Open and turn the chicken. Close the lid once again for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the flames to make sure that the chicken isn’t burning. You just want to get a nice char on the skin.
Turn down the heat to medium and place the chicken on the top rack of the BBQ (or away from direct heat), close the lid, and continue to grill for 30 minutes, turning once halfway. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Bake Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes (about 35 minutes if using boneless skinless chicken thighs.)
Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless/skinless chicken thighs but you will need to reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes. Ensure a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
You can also use boneless/skinless chicken breasts. Cooking time should remain at 40 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken breasts). Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Mint: The fresh mint is optional. You don’t need it but it adds an element of freshness to this marinade. You can add other fresh herbs if you have them, for example, thyme, sage or basil.
Serving Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Serve chicken with your favourite sides. To make this an easy meal choose sides that you can cook on the grill or in the oven with the chicken.
Are you looking for what to serve with this Yogurt Marinated Chicken? Here are some sides and dips that will complement this dish perfectly:
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl with lid or ziploc/silicone bag
- Baking sheet, if using oven baking method
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken (approx. 5 bone-in, skin on thighs or drumsticks)
Marinade:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
Marinade:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, 2 Tbsp fresh mint
- Add the chicken to the marinade and stir until all pieces are coated.1 ½ lbs chicken
- Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (ideally 90 minutes).
Grilling Instructions:
- Heat up the grill to 400°F.
- Once hot, place the chicken directly over the heat. Close the grill for about 5 minutes. Open and turn the chicken. Close the lid once again for about 5 minutes.
- Turn down the heat to medium and place the chicken on the top rack of the BBQ (or away from direct heat if you don't have a separate rack), close the lid and continue to grill for 30 minutes, turning once half way.
- The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place the chicken on baking sheet lined with silicone mats or aluminum foil.
- Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Serve:
- Serve hot with your favourite sides.
Pingback: Perfect Creamy Dill Potato Salad - House of G&K Recipes