Zesty Middle-Eastern Grilled Yogurt Lemon Chicken
Delve into a burst of flavors with this Zesty Middle-Eastern Grilled Yogurt Lemon Chicken. The marinade is a perfect blend of creamy yogurt, vibrant lemon, and aromatic spices, creating an incredibly tender and juicy chicken that will impress your family and friends. Inspired by classic Lebanese kabobs, this versatile recipe allows you to grill, sauté, or bake the chicken, making it adaptable for any occasion. Serve it alongside fragrant rice, fresh salads, or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast that brings vibrant flavors to your table!
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
1/2 cup (unflavored and full-fat for best results)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground for enhanced flavor)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground for enhanced flavor)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (adjust based on preferred spice level)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 lbs (cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to form a smooth marinade.
2
Place the chicken in a large plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
3
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
4
Once marinated, preheat your grill, skillet, or oven (at 400°F or 200°C). If you’re grilling or baking, flatten the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
5
Cook the marinated chicken until it is lightly browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), approximately 6-8 minutes per side on the grill or 25-30 minutes in the oven.
6
Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice or serve whole. Pair with fluffy rice, pasta, salad, or warm pita bread and savor the delightful flavors.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
3g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Middle-Eastern Grilled Yogurt Lemon Chicken?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken marinated in a blend of creamy yogurt, vibrant lemon, and aromatic Middle-Eastern spices, inspired by classic Lebanese kabobs.
What kind of yogurt is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of plain, unflavored, and full-fat yogurt for the best results and creaminess.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for maximum flavor infusion.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the oven?
If you choose to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use either 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
How should I prepare the chicken for even cooking?
Flatten the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick and cut it into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
How much lemon juice and zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
It takes approximately 6-8 minutes per side on the grill.
How long does the chicken take to bake in the oven?
In the oven, the chicken typically takes 25-30 minutes to cook through.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It pairs perfectly with fragrant rice, fresh salads, pasta, or warm pita bread.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 220 calories per serving of this chicken.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 35g per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This is a low-carb option with only 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which you can adjust based on your preferred spice level.
Does the recipe require fresh garlic?
Yes, it uses 1 crushed garlic clove for an aromatic flavor.
Can I use a skillet instead of a grill?
Yes, you can sauté the marinated chicken in a skillet if a grill is not available.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to keep it juicy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with its high protein and low carbohydrate content, it is labeled as a healthy recipe.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What cuisine is this dish inspired by?
This dish is inspired by Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, specifically Lebanese kabobs.
Can I use pre-ground spices?
While you can, the recipe suggests using freshly ground cumin and coriander for enhanced flavor.
Do I need to peel the lemon?
You should grate the outer skin to get 2 teaspoons of zest before squeezing the juice.
Is the marinade smooth?
Yes, you should mix the yogurt and spices well to form a smooth marinade.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use regular salt and adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and using 2 lbs of chicken makes it suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Does the marinade contain oil?
No, the marinade relies on the fat from the yogurt and the acidity of the lemon juice for moisture and flavor.
How do I ensure the chicken is flavorful?
Marinating for at least 2 hours (or overnight) and using fresh aromatics like garlic and lemon zest ensures maximum flavor.