Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs are juicy and bursting with flavor. The yogurt makes the chicken super tender while adding a tasty twist with spices, garlic, and lemon.
I love how simple this dish is! Just marinate the chicken, pop it in the oven, and boom—dinner is served. Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I often use bone-in chicken thighs because they tend to be juicier, but boneless is a great option too! If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can swap in chicken breasts, although they may cook a bit faster.
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt is my favorite for its thickness and creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt as a great alternative. Just check for any added sugars!
Spices: Ground cumin and paprika give the dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, you can use a mix of chili powder or taco seasoning in a pinch. Fresh garlic can also be replaced with garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) if necessary.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice will work too, or even vinegar in a smaller amount can be a substitute.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works well too.
How Can I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to getting juicy, flavorful chicken thighs. Start by combining your marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well to ensure every component is blended for a more cohesive flavor profile.
- Fully coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. This is where the magic happens!
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the yogurt to tenderize the meat and the spices to infuse their flavors.
- Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after grilling. This keeps it juicier overall.
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to marinate the chicken. If you can let it marinate overnight, that’s best! Grilling the chicken will take around 15-20 minutes. Overall, it’s a simple process with a flavorful result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, start by mixing together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined to create a delicious marinade. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, letting it sit overnight will really enhance the flavors.
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer to use a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove. This is an important step to ensure the chicken gets those lovely grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade to ensure safe cooking. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if they have skin) on the grill or grill pan. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want them nicely browned and juicy!
5. Let them Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and add lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your flavorful yogurt marinated chicken thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but keep in mind that they may cook faster. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. You may also want to marinate them for a shorter time, about 1-2 hours, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that the yogurt you use is labeled gluten-free, as some brands might cross-contaminate during production. Enjoy your gluten-free yogurt marinated chicken thighs!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for even more flavor. However, marinating for too long, especially beyond that, may break down the proteins too much, resulting in a mushy texture. Ideally, stick to 2-24 hours for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, use the microwave or place it back on the grill or skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. If you have extra marinade, you can use a bit to keep the chicken moist while reheating!
