– **Title**: Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
– 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
– Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. If grilling, brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. If baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for about 5 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving, if desired. Enjoy your yogurt marinated chicken thighs with rice, flatbreads, or a fresh salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. If you don’t have thighs, drumsticks or chicken breasts can work as alternatives, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness and creaminess, which helps tenderize the chicken. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt for a similar texture.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a fantastic depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh ingredients will make a big difference!
Spices: The mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne creates a wonderful warmth. If you don’t have one of these spices, feel free to swap with your favorite spice blend, like curry powder or taco seasoning.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into the chicken. For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate overnight, but at least one hour will help too. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is coated perfectly:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.
- Add chicken thighs, tossing them well to cover completely in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl or seal in a bag, then refrigerate. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps it stay moist during cooking.
For easier cleanup, place the chicken in a resealable bag with the marinade; this way, you can massage the bag to ensure even coating. Enjoy!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (about 4) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour marinating time (overnight is best for flavor). Cooking on the grill will take an additional 10 to 15 minutes. So overall, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well to create a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour, but for deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, lightly oil the grates to keep the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any extra marinade, and discard the remaining marinade.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully charred and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure they are juicy and cooked through.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle the chicken with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious yogurt marinated chicken thighs!
Can I Use a Different Type of Yogurt?
Absolutely! While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and tang, you can use regular plain yogurt if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Non-dairy yogurt can also work, but be sure to choose a plain unsweetened type for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can adjust the spices based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have ground cumin or coriander, try using a curry powder blend instead. You can also omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor. Just remember, spices are flexible!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Too Long?
While marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours will provide great flavor, marinating for more than that can lead to a mushy texture due to the acidity in the yogurt. Stick to the 1-hour minimum or up to 24 hours for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help keep it moist.
