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Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 135 reviews

This flavorful Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender and juicy chicken cutlets marinated in a vibrant blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a zesty, mildly spiced flavor. Perfect for pan frying, air frying, or baking, this versatile recipe allows you to choose your preferred cooking method to achieve deliciously moist and tender chicken every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1½–2 lbs chicken cutlets (about 8 pieces; thighs or breasts can also be used)

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup plain full fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 lemon, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade bowl and toss carefully to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  3. Bring to Room Temperature: About 20 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
  4. Pan Fry Method: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook without flipping for 2-3 minutes per side to prevent sticking, then carefully flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160 °F. Remove chicken from pan, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the temperature to rise.
  5. Air Fry Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 7 minutes, flip each piece, then cook an additional 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Note that air fryer models may vary in cooking times.
  6. Bake Method: Preheat oven to 425 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes depending on the cut, until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Remove and let rest briefly.
  7. Serve: Garnish cooked chicken with additional salt if desired, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer enhances flavor and tenderness – up to 24 hours is ideal.
  • Using full fat Greek yogurt helps keep the chicken moist.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness: 160 °F for pan frying as it rests up to 165 °F, and 165 °F for air frying and baking.
  • If substituting chicken thighs or breasts, cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicier meat.
  • Olive oil can be substituted with another cooking oil if desired.

Keywords: Yogurt marinated chicken, Greek yogurt chicken, marinated chicken cutlets, easy chicken marinade, pan fried chicken, air fryer chicken, baked chicken

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/yogurt-marinated-chicken-recipe/