Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This tender, succulent chicken is infused with a tangy, aromatic marinade that keeps every bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- •1 cup (240g) plain soy-based dairy-free yogurt
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated in the marinade.
- 3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill over medium-high heat.
- 5
If baking, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- 6
If grilling, thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- 7
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while hot.
💡 Chef tips
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator; the acidity in the lemon juice and soy yogurt will tenderize the meat beautifully.
- If you don't have soy yogurt, you can substitute with a thick coconut-based dairy-free yogurt, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished chicken should be golden-brown with a fragrant, earthy aroma, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both tangy and savory.