Herbed Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Marinade
This Herbed Grilled Chicken dish is a delicious fusion of flavors inspired by Palestinian cuisine, expertly marinated in a rich yogurt mixture made with fresh lemon juice and fragrant spices. The combination of garlic, cinnamon, and cardamom creates a warm and inviting aroma, while grilling adds a smoky depth to the chicken. Enjoy the succulent meat wrapped in homemade pita bread for a delightful and satisfying meal, perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings. While the recipe traditionally calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken, feel free to use boneless, skinless breasts for a quicker, lighter version. Either way, you’ll end up with juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast halves
4 (Bone-in with skin, 6-8 ounces each)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (Whole milk)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (Juiced)
Garlic cloves
6 (Minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the chicken under cold running water. Drain it well and gently pat dry using paper towels.
2
In a large non-reactive baking dish (or a heavy-duty resealable bag), arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
3
In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and cloves until well combined.
4
Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely covered. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken.
5
Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours. Allowing the chicken to marinate longer will enhance the flavor.
6
Prepare your grill for indirect heat; preheat it on medium-high. This allows for a balanced cook without charring the chicken too quickly.
7
Once the grill is ready, oil the grate to prevent sticking and remove the chicken from the marinade. Allow excess marinade to drip off and discard the leftover marinade.
8
Place the chicken skin-side down on the hotter section of the grill and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, until the skin begins to brown.
9
Carefully move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye for flare-ups.
10
Turn the chicken and return it to the hotter side of the grill, cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes on the second side until browned.
11
Return the chicken to the cooler side and allow it to finish cooking until the juices run clear when pierced, ensuring it is fully cooked.
12
Note: For boneless, skinless breasts, cook directly over medium-high heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side.
13
Once done, let the chicken rest briefly before serving, and enjoy wrapped in pita bread with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Grilled Chicken with Yogurt Marinade?
It is a Palestinian-inspired dish where chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom, then grilled for a smoky flavor.
What ingredients are in the yogurt marinade?
The marinade consists of plain whole milk yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, ground cinnamon, black pepper, ground cardamom, and ground cloves.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for 4 to 12 hours.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless breasts for a quicker and lighter version of this recipe.
How do I cook boneless skinless breasts on the grill?
Cook them directly over medium-high heat for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side.
What type of chicken does the traditional recipe call for?
The traditional recipe uses four bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves, about 6-8 ounces each.
How should I prepare the grill?
Preheat your grill on medium-high and set it up for indirect heat to ensure balanced cooking without charring.
Should I rinse the chicken before cooking?
The recipe suggests rinsing the chicken under cold running water and patting it dry with paper towels before marinating.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
What spices give this dish its Palestinian flavor profile?
The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves provides the warm, inviting aroma characteristic of Palestinian cuisine.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grate once it is preheated and before placing the chicken on it.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
Discard any excess marinade that has been in contact with the raw chicken; do not reuse it.
How long do I sear the skin-side of the chicken?
Place the chicken skin-side down on the hotter section of the grill for 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
When do I move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill?
After browning the skin, move the chicken to the cooler side for 5 to 7 minutes to continue cooking through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife or thermometer.
Should the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest briefly after removing it from the grill to ensure it stays juicy.
What is the best way to serve this grilled chicken?
It is delicious when wrapped in homemade pita bread with your favorite toppings.
Can I use a resealable bag for marinating?
Yes, a heavy-duty resealable bag works well for marinating as it allows you to easily massage the mixture into the meat.
How much yogurt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of plain whole milk yogurt.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a perfect dish for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any social meal.
What is the role of lemon juice in the marinade?
Lemon juice adds a bright citrus flavor and helps tenderize the chicken meat.
How much ground cardamom is required?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
How much ground cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I use low-fat yogurt instead of whole milk yogurt?
While whole milk yogurt is recommended for richness, low-fat yogurt can be used as a substitute.
Does this recipe include black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the chicken grilled over direct or indirect heat?
It uses a combination of both: starting on the hotter section for browning and moving to the cooler side for even cooking.
What is the measurement for ground cloves?
The recipe requires 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the four chicken breast halves, it typically serves four people.
Is this chicken spicy?
No, it is fragrant and flavorful due to the spices, but it does not contain high-heat chili elements.