Spiced Yogurt Grilled Chicken with Mint Salad
This mouthwatering Spiced Yogurt Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer grilling. Marinated in a creamy, spiced yogurt mixture, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with robust flavors of chili, cumin, and coriander. After grilling, the chicken is served with a refreshing mint salad and a tangy yogurt drizzle that perfectly balances the dish. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also impresses at any gathering, making it an ideal choice for barbecues and al fresco dining.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
2 1/4 cups (none)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (none)
fresh mint leaves
1 cup (torn)
minced shallots
2 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, salt, chili powder, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cinnamon. Mix until well blended.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and turn them until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium heat.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1 1/4 cups of yogurt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and additional salt to taste. Set aside as the yogurt sauce.
5
Once the chicken is done marinating, discard the marinade and lightly oil the grill rack.
6
Place the chicken on the grill and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and keeping the grill closed between turns, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter.
8
In a small bowl, combine the torn mint leaves, minced shallots, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently to mix the salad.
9
Drizzle the grilled chicken with the reserved yogurt sauce and top with the mint salad before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Yogurt Grilled Chicken?
It is a summer grilling dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, served with a fresh mint salad and a tangy yogurt drizzle.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes.
What spices are used in the yogurt marinade?
The marinade includes chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and a hint of cinnamon.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the grilling time slightly.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
Plain yogurt is recommended for both the marinade and the reserved yogurt sauce.
How do I prepare the yogurt sauce?
Mix 1 1/4 cups of yogurt with 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice and salt to taste.
What ingredients are in the mint salad?
The mint salad is made from torn fresh mint leaves, minced shallots, and olive oil.
How do I cook the chicken on the grill?
Grill the chicken over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Should the grill be open or closed while cooking?
Keep the grill closed between turns to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and retains moisture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe uses chili powder and other spices for a robust flavor, but the yogurt helps to balance and mellow the heat.
Can I use dried mint for the salad?
Fresh mint is recommended for the best flavor and texture in the salad.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If shallots are unavailable, you can use finely minced red onion or the white parts of green onions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it has nice grill marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 20 minutes?
Yes, you can marinate it longer in the refrigerator for deeper flavor, but 20 minutes at room temperature is sufficient for this recipe.
What purpose does yogurt serve in the marinade?
The lactic acid in the yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken, making it very juicy when grilled.
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through, though it will lack the smoky grill flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used, though it will result in a thicker marinade and sauce.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This chicken pairs well with pita bread, rice pilaf, or a cucumber salad.
Do I need to grease the grill?
Yes, lightly oiling the grill rack before adding the chicken helps prevent sticking.
Can I make the mint salad in advance?
It is best to assemble the mint salad just before serving to keep the mint leaves from wilting.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and probiotic-rich yogurt.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be substituted for a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
Why is the marinade discarded?
The marinade that touched raw chicken must be discarded for safety reasons; a separate batch of yogurt is used for the sauce.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
No, there are no nuts included in the ingredients list for this recipe.
Can I use a grill pan?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly if you do not have access to an outdoor grill.
How much oil is needed for the salad?
The salad requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil to be tossed with the mint and shallots.