Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful, thanks to a creamy yogurt marinade packed with spices. This dish is super simple for any night of the week!
You’ll love how tender the chicken gets after soaking in the marinade. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! Plus, I like to serve mine with fresh veggies for a colorful plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yogurt: Plain yogurt is essential for its tangy flavor and tenderizing effect on the chicken. Greek yogurt offers a thicker consistency, but regular yogurt works too. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt for similar results.
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs bring deeper flavor and moisture, but boneless thighs are quicker to cook and easier to handle. You can also substitute with chicken breasts if that’s what you have; just marinate for a shorter time.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove. However, fresh garlic is always best for flavor!
Spices: Ground cumin and paprika are key for warmth and depth. If you’re out of cumin, try coriander or chili powder for a different twist. Smoked paprika adds an extra layer of flavor; if you don’t have it, sweet paprika can also be used.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Grilled to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked thighs! Start by getting the grill nice and hot. This helps create good grill marks and seals in moisture.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 450°F.
- When adding chicken, avoid flipping too soon—give it about 5-7 minutes per side. This helps with searing.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) before removing it from the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. If you can let it sit overnight, the flavor will be even better! Cooking on the grill will take around 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are completely coated. You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap or put the chicken and marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you can wait until the next day, that’s even better for the flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, preheat it on medium-high as well. Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the fridge and remove them from the marinade, shaking off any extra. Discard the marinade. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they have nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This means they are fully cooked and safe to eat!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken. Enjoy your flavorful and tender yogurt marinated chicken thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts in this recipe, but keep in mind that they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 minutes per side and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that marinating for too long (over 24 hours) may cause the chicken to become mushy due to the acidity in the yogurt.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place it in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Serve with Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with pita bread and a yogurt sauce to complement the flavors. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
