Yogurt completely transforms the texture of these chicken thighs, making them tender and flavourful with bright notes of lemon and cilantro. Ideal for a day trip, these can be marinated in the morning and cooked in the evening, but they also work well when cooked in advance and packed for a picnic to be eaten cold.
Marinade mentions
Marinate chicken thighs for anywhere between 4 and 24 hours. Discard excess marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken. It should not be consumed uncooked.
Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Cilantro
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon juice
- 1 cup (250 mL) chopped cilantro leaves and stems
- 2 cups (500 mL) Greek yogurt
- 8 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) black pepper
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories361
- protein50 g
- total fat17 g
- sat. fat2 g
- total carbohydrates 8 g
- sugar5 g
- fibre1 g
- sodium190 mg
Directions
01
In large bowl, combine garlic, lemon zest, juice, cilantro, and yogurt. Pack half the yogurt mixture in a sealable container to be used as a dip and refrigerate. Set aside remainder to use as marinade while you prepare the chicken.
02
On cutting board, lay sheet of parchment paper, then chicken pieces, and then cover with a second sheet of parchment paper. Using a large rolling pin or meat tenderizer, pound meat to flatten. This will ensure pieces cook evenly.
03
Brush marinade onto each side of each piece of chicken and layer chicken in sealable storage container suitable for transporting in your cooler. Add in any remaining marinade. Seal container and refrigerate, or place in your cooler until ready to grill. Allow chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours and no more than 24. When ready to eat, grill each chicken piece on hot grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until meat releases easily from grill. Discard any excess marinade. Serve with reserved yogurt dip.
Helena McMurdo is a writer, food stylist, and photographer based in Vancouver.
