Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that’s incredibly tender and bursting with vibrant spices, then you’ve got to try this Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s hands down one of my favorite ways to prepare chicken—whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends. The yogurt marinade not only infuses the chicken with layers of zesty, aromatic goodness but also makes sure it stays super moist and tender every single time. Stick with me—I’ll share all my tricks so you get it just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a marinade that’s fresh, tangy, and packed with warm spices. When shopping, opt for Greek yogurt with whole milk for creaminess—it’s the secret to that rich marinade texture you’ll love.

• Whole milk Greek yogurt: It’s thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, ensuring your marinade clings perfectly.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
• Lemon juice and zest: They bring a bright citrus punch that balances the spices.
• Garlic and fresh ginger: Freshly minced for a punch of savory and zingy depth.
• Ground cumin and coriander: Earthy spices that give the marinade its warm, inviting aroma.
• Paprika and cayenne pepper: For smoky warmth with just a touch of heat.
• Cinnamon: Adds subtle sweetness and a unique layer of flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those flavors.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous note—you can’t skip this!
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, but breasts work well too.

Variations

I love how flexible this yogurt marinated grilled chicken recipe is—it invites you to tailor it however you like. Sometimes, I add a little smoked paprika to give it a campfire vibe, or swap cilantro for fresh mint to add a refreshing twist.

• Use boneless chicken breasts: I started with thighs, but switching to breasts makes it lighter yet still flavorful when you marinate long enough.
• Add some chili flakes: When I want an extra kick, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper—it wakes up the spices nicely.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap yogurt for a coconut milk and lemon juice combo if you need to avoid dairy—still tasty, just different texture.
• Herb variations: Try parsley instead of cilantro for a more subdued, classic herby flavor that works beautifully if you’re not a cilantro fan.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Yogurt Marinade

This part is where the magic starts. I like to use a large mixing bowl and whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic and ginger, and all your aromatic spices—cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon—plus salt, pepper, and plenty of chopped cilantro. It smells incredible! Make sure everything is well combined so each bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate Your Chicken

Place your chicken thighs or breasts into a large resealable freezer bag—this makes marinating so easy! Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken, seal the bag tightly after pressing out excess air, and then massage the marinade into every piece. This ensures the spices penetrate the meat deeply. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—though I’ve found overnight (or up to 24 hours for thighs) makes the flavors sing and the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Grill

Fire up your gas grill to around 425°F. Before laying down the chicken, clean the grill grates well—that prevents sticking—and lightly oil them using a balled-up paper towel dipped in olive oil held with tongs. This little step saved me from many a frustrating stuck chicken disaster.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Place your marinated chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. I swear by my instant-read thermometer here—it takes all the guesswork out and guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. If you notice the exterior drying out, brush on a little olive oil halfway through grilling to keep it moist and glowing with a golden char.

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this chicken, I’m partial to sprinkling extra fresh chopped cilantro over the top—it adds a lovely fresh burst in every bite. A wedge of lemon on the side is also perfect for squeezing over, boosting brightness right before eating.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this grilled chicken with fluffy basmati rice or grilled vegetables for an easy weeknight meal. Sometimes I roast sweet potatoes or toss together a crisp cucumber and tomato salad to bring in some contrasting freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over a bed of herby couscous with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. It makes a stunning platter that looks as good as it tastes—and your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found the best way to store leftover grilled chicken is in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation that can make it soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works really well if you want to meal prep—just wrap pieces tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. I usually freeze portions in individual servings so I can thaw just what I need. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the chicken in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil to keep it nice and juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I’ve noticed it can dry out the chicken if you’re not careful—adding a splash of water before heating helps.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe turns out every single time—it’s tender, juicy, and packed with incredible flavor that’s truly crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a grilling newbie or a seasoned pro, it’s easy to nail with the tips I shared. Trust me, once you try it, it will be one of your go-to meals for every occasion. So grab your yogurt, rub that marinade in, and get ready for some serious deliciousness on your plate!

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