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To make yogurt marinated chicken thighs, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish Each ingredient brings health benefits. Plain Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics. Chicken thighs are rich in iron and zinc. Olive oil contains healthy fats. Garlic boosts your immune system. Lemon juice offers vitamin C. Spices like cumin and paprika provide antioxidants. This dish is not just tasty; it’s nutritious too. You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Use non-fat yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For olive oil, try avocado oil or canola oil. If you lack fresh garlic, use garlic powder. For lemon juice, lime juice works well. If you want a milder spice, skip the cayenne or reduce the amount. These swaps keep your dish delicious and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt. This will be the base of your marinade. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep the chicken moist. Mince 3 cloves of garlic for that rich flavor. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Next, add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika. These spices give depth and warmth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to suit your taste. Finally, add salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and creamy. Now, it's time to marinate your chicken thighs. Use 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken. Make sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, let it marinate overnight. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the yummy spices. When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the chicken in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, tender yogurt marinated chicken thighs! Marination time is key for great flavor. I recommend at least 2 hours. For the best taste, marinate overnight. This allows the yogurt to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. It also helps the spices mix well with the chicken. To get that perfect crispy skin, there are some steps to follow. First, let the chicken dry a bit after you take it out of the marinade. Placing it skin-side up on a baking sheet helps too. You can also bake at a higher temperature, like 400°F. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. When serving, think about colors and flavors. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a nice touch. You can also serve with lemon wedges for extra zing. Pair with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a full meal. These sides balance the rich flavor of the chicken. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, making it even more delicious. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Get Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade according to your taste, adding more cayenne for heat or additional herbs for freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using different herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a nice touch. You can also try dried herbs such as oregano or basil. For a bolder taste, add curry powder or turmeric. If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add chili powder. The choice is yours. Experiment and find your favorite blend! Grilling and oven roasting give different flavors and textures. Grilling adds a smoky taste. It’s great for summer cookouts. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken thighs over medium heat. Flip them often for even cooking. Oven roasting is easier in colder weather. It keeps the chicken juicy and helps the skin crisp up. Both methods work well, so choose what fits your day. Pair your yogurt marinated chicken thighs with tasty side dishes. Rice or quinoa works well to soak up flavors. Roasted veggies add color and crunch. A fresh salad can brighten up your meal. For a bit of tang, serve with yogurt sauce or tzatziki. You can mix and match sides to keep meals exciting and fun! Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze the marinated chicken, do it before cooking. Place the chicken in a resealable bag with the marinade. Squeeze out air and seal the bag. The chicken will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. You can use many meats for yogurt marination. Chicken is great, but you can also use: - Lamb: The rich flavor pairs well with yogurt. - Beef: Cuts like flank steak or sirloin work nicely. - Pork: Pork chops or tenderloin become juicy and tender. Yogurt helps break down tough fibers in these meats. This makes them tender and tasty. You can try different spices to match the meat's flavor. Yes, you can use non-dairy yogurt for this dish. Options like almond or coconut yogurt work well. Just make sure it is plain and unsweetened. Non-dairy yogurt may change the taste slightly. However, it still gives a nice tang and creaminess. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, this is a great choice. You can marinate chicken in yogurt for a minimum of 2 hours. However, for the best flavor, I recommend marinating overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you marinate too long, the chicken may become too soft. Stick to between 2 hours and 24 hours for the best results. Yogurt marinated chicken thighs are easy and delicious to make. We covered the key ingredients, helpful tips, and different cooking methods. You learned how to prepare the marinade and ensure a tasty finish. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste and easily change up flavors. I hope these steps inspire you to try this recipe at home. Whether grilling or roasting, enjoy every bite. Keep experimenting, and make the dish your own!

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

Tender and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a creamy yogurt mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place them skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
Keyword chicken, marinated, roasted, yogurt