Why Make This Recipe
Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can make any meal special. This recipe wraps succulent chicken cutlets in creamy, tangy yogurt and a mix of tasty spices. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry, this chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time. It can be served in various ways, making it adaptable to any occasion. You’ll feel good serving this nutritious dish made from whole ingredients that are good for your body.
Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe gives you the ability to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. So let’s dive right into how to make this crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Making Yogurt Marinated Chicken is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Here, we’ll go step by step to ensure you capture all the flavors and textures unique to this dish.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lemon (juiced, about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your Yogurt Marinated Chicken:
Combine the Marinade: Start by taking a large bowl and mixing together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin. Stir really well until all the ingredients are blended together into a smooth marinade. This creamy mix will infuse your chicken with wonderful flavors.
Add the Chicken: Take your chicken cutlets and place them into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the chicken to ensure that all sides are well-coated in the marinade. This step is essential because the longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
Marinate the Chicken: Once the chicken cutlets are coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Then, place the bowl in the refrigerator. You can let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, but for the best flavor, try to marinate it for up to 24 hours.
Prepare to Cook: When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
Cooking Options: You have several options for cooking your marinated chicken:
- Pan Fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Once your chicken is cooked, it is ready to serve. You can enjoy it with a side of rice, toss it into a fresh salad, wrap it in a tortilla, or pair it with roasted vegetables. Get creative with how you serve it!
How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Yogurt Marinated Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it a great dish for any meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling some of the leftover marinade or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top.
- In a Salad: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to a mixed greens salad. Pair it with chopped veggies, cheese, and a light vinaigrette to create a refreshing meal.
- In Wraps: Use the chicken in whole wheat or corn tortillas. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauces for a satisfying wrap.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced, hearty meal.
How to Store Yogurt Marinated Chicken
If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, storing Yogurt Marinated Chicken is simple:
- Refrigerating: Allow the cooked chicken to cool down completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the marinated chicken longer, you can also freeze it. Place the uncooked marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. This way, it will last for several months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Tips to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Yogurt Marinated Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken cutlets for an easy and quick cooking experience. Thicker pieces may require longer cooking times.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the marinade to cater to your taste preferences. If you love spicy food, add more cayenne pepper!
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavors will develop. If you can, aim for a 12-24 hour marination.
- Use More Yogurt: If you like a creamier texture, increase the amount of Greek yogurt in the marinade. This not only adds creaminess but also enhances the chicken’s juiciness.
- Garnish: After cooking, sprinkle some fresh parsley, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
Variation
While the original recipe is delicious as it is, feel free to try variations:
- Herb Variations: Change up the herbs used in the marinade. You can use fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary instead of basil and oregano.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, mix in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the marinade or additional cayenne pepper.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices such as orange or lime for a refreshing twist to the marinade.
FAQs
1. Can I use other meats for this marinade?
Yes! This yogurt marinade works well with different kinds of meat like pork or lamb. Just adjust the cooking times based on the type of meat you use.
2. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. It will save you time on a busy cooking day.
3. Is it safe to eat the leftover marinade?
No, it is not safe to eat the marinade that the raw chicken was in. If you want a sauce, reserve a portion before adding the chicken, or cook the marinade thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria before serving.
By following these straightforward directions, tips, and variations, you can create a delicious and satisfying Yogurt Marinated Chicken that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin until well blended into a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl with the marinade and gently toss to coat all sides.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
- For pan-frying, heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F, spread the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over rice or in a salad, wrap it in a tortilla, or alongside roasted vegetables.