Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This yogurt marinated chicken is extraordinarily tender, juicy, and packed with warm spices from the inside out.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks (900g)
- •1 cup plain full-fat yogurt (240ml)
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon ground coriander
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 2
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and make a few shallow slashes in the thickest parts of the meat to help the marinade penetrate.
- 3
Add the chicken to the bowl, turning to coat every piece thoroughly in the yogurt mixture.
- 4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare a medium-high grill.
- 6
Transfer the chicken pieces to a foil-lined baking sheet, letting any excess marinade drip off slightly.
- 7
Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin has a lovely browned, slightly charred exterior.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
- The lactic acid in the yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer, making it safe to marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and work wonderfully in salads or wraps.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished chicken features a beautifully charred, aromatic exterior with meat that is exceptionally succulent, tender, and infused with savory, spiced yogurt flavors.