Broiled Yogurt Marinated Chicken-A Flavorful Twist
Greetings Fam! We are back again with another flavor-packed recipe but with an Indo-Mediterranean-inspired twist. This yogurt-marinated chicken recipe has some of the familiar flavors we are used to, but we are exploring another part of the world with this dish.
I had some plain yogurt at home and some boneless skinless chicken breast, and I knew the combination would be perfect with the right flavors. Yogurt is a popular ingredient for marinades in the Mediterranean and South Asian cultures. I had tried an Indian recipe in the past that called for yogurt in the marinade, and I loved how tender and juicy the chicken became. With what I had on hand, I just had to whip up something flavorful.
The combination of creamy yogurt, bold spices, and aromatic ingredients creates tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for broiling or grilling. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors with a hint of Afro-Caribbean influence, this dish brings together warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika for a deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a backyard cookout, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Yogurt Marinade Works
Yogurt is the perfect natural tenderizer! The lactic acid and enzymes in yogurt break down the proteins in the chicken, making it juicy while allowing the spices to penetrate deeper. Plus, the combination of garlic, ginger, and onions adds layers of flavor that intensify as the chicken cooks.
What to Pair with the Chicken
This chicken is great on pita bread or naan with a yogurt and sour cream sauce I made. Slice veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to eat alongside your sandwich. I also ate this with a fresh chickpea salad that pairs perfectly with this dish.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with grains like white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. It is also perfect as protein on a salad to make it a complete meal!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cube the chicken into small to medium size chunks (approx 3/4 inch thick)
- Cut the onion, ginger, and garlic into smaller pieces and puree in a blender
- In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, blended onion mix, salt, and spices.
- Add the chicken to the yogurt mixture. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
- Turn oven broiler on and allow to preheat for at least 5 minutes.
- Place an oven grate over a sheet pan and coat the grate with oil.
- Place the chicken chunks on the grate or broiler pan and space them apart.
- Place the chicken at the top level of the oven and broil until browned on both sides. (Approx. 10-12 minutes flipping halfway through.)
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, sour cream, cilantro, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Add a bit of water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.