Chicken breasts marinated in yogurt become incredibly tender and flavorful. The yogurt’s acidity helps break down the chicken’s proteins, making it juicy and flavorful. Here’s a simple recipe for chicken breasts in a yogurt marinade:
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried herbs)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, fresh or dried herbs, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for more flavor.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Pan-Searing:
- Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Grilling:
-
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as rice, couscous, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Cooking Tip: If baking or grilling, consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature without overcooking.
- Flavor Variations: You can add other spices or ingredients to the marinade, such as a teaspoon of chili powder for heat or a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your juicy and flavorful chicken breasts marinated in yogurt!
