Tender, juicy, and full of bold spices, this Yogurt Marinated Chicken is the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. The secret is all in the marinade—a creamy, zesty blend of Greek yogurt, fresh ginger, lemon, and a warm chorus of spices that soak into the chicken for maximum flavor. Whether you’re grilling for friends or spicing up a family dinner, you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet effortless to pull together at home.

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your essentials for Yogurt Marinated Chicken is a breeze, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every ingredient has a mission: from giving the marinade its velvety texture to layering in pops of citrus, heat, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you can’t skip a single thing:

Whole Milk Greek Yogurt (2/3 cup): The tangy backbone that tenderizes chicken and creates that creamy clinging sauce.

Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Adds rich body and helps the grill impart those crave-worthy charred edges.
Lemon Juice + Zest (2 Tbsp juice + 1 tsp zest): Brightens every bite and balances the warming spices.

Minced Garlic (1 Tbsp): For aromatic punch and undeniable depth of flavor.
Fresh Ginger, Peeled & Minced (1 Tbsp): Adds fresh zip and an unmistakable bit of heat.

Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Gives warmth, nuttiness, and the classic earthiness you expect in a well-spiced marinade.
Ground Coriander (1 tsp): Delivers citrusy, floral notes that make the flavors pop.
Paprika (1 tsp): Rounds out the spice blend with gentle smokiness and color.

Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough kick to keep everyone coming back for another bite.
Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Unites the spices and introduces a secondary note of sweetness.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp salt, pepper to taste): Because every dish needs a lift—and you can always adjust to your preference!

Chopped Cilantro (1/4 cup + more for serving): For herbal brightness and that unmistakable pop of green at the end.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 1/4 lbs, about 7 thighs) or Breasts (about 5): Choose your favorite cut; either soaks up the marinade perfectly and grills up beautifully juicy.

How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Begin by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and your whisk. Combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and a good handful of chopped cilantro. As you whisk, you’ll notice the spices transform the yogurt into a gorgeous yellow-orange paste, already bursting with irresistible aroma. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs or breasts into a large, resealable freezer bag. Pour the vibrant marinade over the top, then seal the bag while pressing out as much air as you can. This helps ensure every inch of chicken is coated and ready to absorb every bit of flavor. Gently massage the bag so the marinade is evenly distributed—trust me, it’s a strangely satisfying prep step!

Step 3: Let It Rest

Patience pays off here. Allow the Yogurt Marinated Chicken to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you’re using chicken breasts, 8 hours is perfect; for thighs, you can go a full 24 hours for that next-level depth. The yogurt, with all those spices, tenderizes the meat and ensures the flavors have time to infuse every bite.

Step 4: Prep Your Grill

Preheat your gas grill to 425°F. Once it’s nice and hot, grab some tongs and a paper towel dabbed in oil and give the grates a good cleaning and slick of oil. Here’s where grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken gets those beautiful char marks and extra smoky flavor.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken pieces directly onto the hot grates. Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the thickest part of each piece reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. With every minute over the fire, the marinade caramelizes into a flavorful crust while locking in mouthwatering juiciness. Once done, let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep all those tasty juices inside.

How to Serve Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped cilantro is my go-to, adding brightness and a splash of color over your Yogurt Marinated Chicken. For a tangy flourish, a few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add even more zesty pop. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt just before serving gives the final savory finish.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with so many things—think fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up those flavorful juices. Roasted veggies, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or cooling tzatziki make excellent sides, especially for outdoor or crowd-pleasing dinners. Let your imagination (or fridge contents) guide you!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken and piling it into pita pockets with crunchy greens for an easy handheld meal. For a dinner party, lay slices atop a platter of jeweled rice with extra herbs. Or, cube the leftovers and toss them in a vibrant salad or grain bowl for a quick lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Yogurt Marinated Chicken keeps fabulously in the fridge! Store cooled pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the leftovers feel anything but boring—perfect for lunchboxes or meal prep.

Freezing

If you’ve gone big on batch grilling, freeze the cooked (or raw, marinated) chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly, either in freezer bags or a sturdy container, to lock in that alluring flavor and moisture until you’re ready for a quick dinner rescue.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the Yogurt Marinated Chicken in the oven (covered, at 325°F) or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep things moist. Microwave works in a pinch, just be sure to cover to hold in the juices and avoid overcooking—nobody wants dry chicken!

FAQs

Can I make Yogurt Marinated Chicken without a grill?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully under a broiler or in a hot oven on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill pan. You’ll still get lots of caramelization and juicy chicken—just keep an eye on the cooking time.

What kind of yogurt works best?

Whole milk Greek yogurt is the gold standard for Yogurt Marinated Chicken because it’s thick, rich, and brings just the right amount of tang. If you need to use low-fat yogurt, it’ll still work, but the marinade may be a bit thinner and less creamy.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Definitely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, you can use drumsticks or even wings—just adjust the cooking time as needed and use a thermometer to check for doneness.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For maximum tenderness and flavor, marinate chicken breasts up to 8 hours and thighs up to 24 hours. Don’t go much past that—the acidity can start to break down the chicken too much, making it mushy.

Does yogurt make the chicken spicy?

The yogurt itself isn’t spicy; it actually mellows out the cayenne and other heat in the marinade. The end result is warmly spiced, not fiery—feel free to tweak the cayenne up or down to suit your crowd.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Yogurt Marinated Chicken, you’ll understand why it’s a reliable favorite for both busy nights and special occasions. The combination of creamy marinade and punchy spices delivers flavor with every bite. Give it a whirl—your kitchen, and everyone you cook for, will thank you!

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe is a flavorful and juicy dish that’s perfect for grilling. The combination of Greek yogurt, spices, and herbs creates a tender and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with delicious flavors.

Instructions

Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and cilantro.

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a gallon-size resealable freezer bag. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and rub the marinade evenly over the chicken.
Chill the Chicken: Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours for breasts, 24 hours for thighs).
Preheat the Grill: Preheat a gas grill to 425 degrees. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.

Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken until cooked through (165°F on an instant-read thermometer), about 5 to 7 minutes per side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 6 oz)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Grilled Chicken Recipe, Yogurt Chicken Marinade