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Tender Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe with Fresh Herb Marinade Easy and Juicy

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This tender yogurt marinated chicken features a creamy yogurt and fresh herb marinade that makes the chicken juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the yogurt marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight (up to 24 hours) to marinate.
  4. While the chicken marinates, combine chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, olive oil, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk gently until glossy and well mixed.
  5. Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the fresh herb marinade on top before serving.

Notes

Do not marinate longer than 24 hours to avoid mushy texture. Pat chicken dry before cooking to prevent flare-ups or steaming. Use medium-high heat for a nice sear and juicy interior. Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. Fresh herbs in the drizzle add vibrant flavor and should be added just before serving. Variations include using coconut yogurt for dairy-free, adding chili powder for spice, or baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: yogurt marinated chicken, fresh herb marinade, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, grilled chicken

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/tender-yogurt-marinated-chicken-recipe-with-fresh-herb-marinade-easy-and-juicy/