Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that promises juicy, tender bites bursting with flavor. The yogurt marinade not only infuses the chicken with tangy goodness but also helps to keep it incredibly moist during cooking, making it a favorite for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Perfect for those warm summer evenings when you desire a light yet satisfying meal, this dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or fragrant rice dishes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you choose to pan-fry, air-fry, or bake the chicken, you’ll end up with a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Your family will rave about the perfectly seasoned chicken, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time — simply marinate and cook when you’re ready!

“This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.”

Ingredients

• 1½-2 lbs chicken cutlets (I used 8)
• 1/2 cup plain full fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon (juiced, about 1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cumin

"A brief look at the vibrant ingredients ready for marinating."

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin. Whisk together until well blended.
2. Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
4. When ready to cook, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
5. For Pan Frying: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. For Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Use low-fat yogurt for a healthier option, or substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly choice.
• Optional Variations: Try adding spices like turmeric or cumin for a different flavor profile, or incorporate diced vegetables in the marinade for extra nutrition.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain texture.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This is a placeholder for an image of the dish or ingredients.