3-Ingredient Yogurt Marinated Chicken

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Want tasty chicken without a lot of work? Try this 3-ingredient yogurt marinated chicken. It’s super easy to make and turns out juicy and flavorful every time. You just need yogurt, citrus, and garlic to create a simple marinade that does wonders.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. You can prep it ahead and let it marinate overnight. Then just toss it on the grill for about 10 minutes. Serve it with some grilled veggies or a salad for a quick, healthy meal the whole family will love.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yogurt marinated chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 2 medium lemons, limes, or oranges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

You can swap the citrus fruits based on what you have. Lemons give a classic flavor, while limes add a tropical twist. Oranges work well too!

For the yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It’s thicker and tangier, which can boost the flavor. Low-fat yogurt works if you’re watching calories.

No garlic cloves? Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices. A pinch of cumin, paprika, or dried oregano can take this dish in new directions.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or two – it’ll still taste great!

Instructions

You’ll start by prepping the chicken. If using breasts, pound them to 1/2-inch thickness. For thighs, no pounding is needed.

Next, make the marinade. Zest and juice one citrus fruit into a zip-top bag. Add yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Put the chicken in the bag. Seal it and massage to coat the meat. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet. Chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to high heat. Take the chicken out of the fridge.

Use tongs to place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 4 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and cook another 5 minutes or so.

Check that the chicken reaches 165°F inside. While it cooks, grill some citrus slices for 3 minutes per side.

Your yogurt-marinated chicken is now ready to enjoy! Serve it with the grilled citrus for extra flavor.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding spices like cumin, paprika, or dried herbs to your marinade. This will give your chicken a tasty twist.

Don’t marinate for more than 24 hours. The yogurt can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy.

Pat the chicken dry before grilling. This helps it brown better and prevents flare-ups on the grill.

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in an oven. Bake at 425°F for 16-18 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F inside.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy the chicken cold in salads or sandwiches.

To freeze, wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm the chicken gently to avoid drying it out. You can use a microwave on medium power or heat it in a skillet with a splash of water.