Description
This Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken thighs soaked in a flavorful marinade of yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is juicy and infused with bright Mediterranean flavors, garnished with fresh parsley, lemon, and crumbled feta cheese. Perfect served over salad greens for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 lemon, halved
- Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
- Salad greens (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove Excess Marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any remaining marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a golden brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy chicken.
- Garnish: Garnish the rested chicken with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the halved lemon, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the grilled yogurt-marinated chicken immediately, optionally placing it on a bed of fresh salad greens for a light and balanced meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the best flavor and tenderness, but a minimum of 2 hours will still infuse good flavor.
- If a grill is not available, the chicken can be cooked in a grill pan or on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For added flavor, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil or sprinkle additional fresh herbs over the cooked chicken before serving.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and makes great additions to salads or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
