Yogurt marinated chicken thighs are so tasty and juicy! The yogurt makes them tender while adding a creamy flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up.
I love how the marinade gets all the flavors in there—like a cozy hug for the chicken! These are perfect for grilling or baking. You can’t go wrong! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for juicy, flavorful results. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt works wonderfully for its thickness and tanginess, but regular plain yogurt is also great. If you’re dairy-free, try a coconut or soy yogurt as a substitute, keeping in mind that flavors may vary.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the marinade. You can swap it with lime juice if you want a different citrus flavor. Just a word of caution—the acidity level may slightly affect the chicken’s texture.
Spices: Cumin and coriander give depth to the dish. If you don’t have cumin, substitute it with chili powder or even taco seasoning. Ground ginger can be replaced with fresh ginger for a stronger kick.
Cayenne Pepper: This ingredient adds heat, but it’s optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip it or use paprika as a substitute for a smokier touch.
How Do I Grill Chicken Thighs to Perfection?
Grilling chicken thighs might seem challenging, but it’s quite simple with a few tips. The key is to maintain a steady medium-high heat and ensure the chicken is coated well with marinade for flavor and moisture.
- Always preheat your grill. This helps get those nice grill marks and seals in juices.
- Start cooking skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up. Flipping too soon can tear the skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You’re aiming for 165°F (75°C) for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes post-grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist.
How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor) for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 35 minutes, with most of it being hands-off time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well until it’s nicely mixed. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated with the mixture. You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, try to leave it overnight!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they have a nice ash coating on them. This ensures a good grilling temperature.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and shake off any extra bits. Discard the leftover marinade; it’s time for the chicken to shine! Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on one side until you see those golden grill marks. Then, flip the chicken and grill the other side for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over your chicken. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook slightly faster, so aim for about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can use buttermilk or a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly. Add a bit of extra lemon juice to mimic the tartness of yogurt.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken thighs for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. If you choose to marinate for more than 4 hours, consider using a non-reactive container (like glass or ceramic) to avoid any off-flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain moisture. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or wraps!
