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Yogurt Marinated Chicken – How to Make Juicy, Tender Chicken at Home!

Close-up of golden, juicy chicken from Healthy Marinated Chicken Recipes coated in a Sweet Marinade For Chicken with a flavorful Chicken Dinner Marinade, showing How To Make Juicy Chicken for Delicious Healthy Family Dinner Recipes. Perfect Chicken Ideas Healthy and Healthy Roasted Chicken.
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Say goodbye to dry chicken and hello to tender, juicy, flavorful bites! This Yogurt Marinated Chicken uses a creamy, spiced yogurt marinade to soften the chicken and infuse it with incredible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or an impressive weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1½–2 lbs chicken cutlets (about 8 pieces). You can swap in chicken breasts or thighs—just note cooking times may differ.

Marinade:

  • ½ cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about ¼ cup)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¼ tsp coriander
  • ¼ tsp cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, and all spices until smooth.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    • Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl and toss to ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
    • Pro Tip: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and juicier results.
  3. Cooking Options
    • Pan-Frying
      • Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
      • Place the chicken in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side, letting the first side cook undisturbed to avoid sticking.
      • Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F; then remove the chicken, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. The residual heat will bring it to a perfect 165°F.
      • Slice, season with a pinch of salt, and serve.
    • Air Frying
      • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
      • Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and arrange the chicken in a single layer.
      • Cook for 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
      • Sprinkle with salt, slice, and serve.
    • Baking
      • Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Place the chicken on the sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness and cut, until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
      • Garnish with a little salt, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Double the chipotle powder in place of cayenne for more heat.
  • Sweet Swap: Replace honey with double the amount of maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
  • Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon juice with lime or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://irmacooks.com/yogurt-marinated-chicken-how-to-make-juicy-tender-chicken-at-home/