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–+ servings
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Callie Brooks

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

This yogurt marinated chicken is juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. A healthy and easy-to-make dish perfect for lunches, dinners, or meal prep. The creamy Greek yogurt tenderizes the meat while spices like cumin, paprika, and lemon juice infuse every bite with Mediterranean flair.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
  • lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • skillet or grill pan
  • tongs
  • measuring spoons
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken.
  4. Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes per side for small pieces, or 6–8 minutes per side for whole breasts, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 420mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use full-fat yogurt for the creamiest texture. This dish pairs well with salads, wraps, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Make it spicy with more cayenne or swap spices to create your own twist.

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