Description
Succulent yogurt marinated chicken thighs deliver Mediterranean magic with tangy Greek yogurt and aromatic herbs. Rich spices and simple techniques promise a delicious meal that will make taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade Base:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
Spices and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely covered. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, which ensures more even grilling.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F), lightly oiling the surface to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, gently shaking off excess liquid. Place chicken on hot grill, cooking 6-7 minutes per side until exterior develops golden-brown char marks.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Chicken should have crisp exterior and juicy interior with no pink centers.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter, letting it rest 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish to the dish.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken effectively by using yogurt’s natural enzymes that break down proteins, ensuring incredibly soft and juicy meat.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating cayenne pepper for a milder version, perfect for those with sensitive palates.
- Accommodate dietary restrictions by using dairy-free yogurt alternatives like coconut or almond-based yogurts for a vegan-friendly marinade.
- Maximize flavor infusion by piercing chicken thighs with a fork before marinating, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg