Marvelous Middle Eastern Marinated Yogurt Lemon Chicken

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this Marvelous Middle Eastern Marinated Yogurt Lemon Chicken. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a succulent, flavor-packed dish thanks to a creamy Greek yogurt marinade infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Whether grilled to smoky perfection or baked until golden and juicy, this easy 15-minute prep recipe yields tender chicken that pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or a crisp salad. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with zesty lemon wedges, it's a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Discover how marination magic can elevate weeknight dinners or impress at gatherings—this is Middle Eastern cuisine at its finest!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full fat preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken for even coverage.

Step 3

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Step 4

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 5

If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6

If baking, arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Step 8

Pair with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this Marvelous Middle Eastern Marinated Yogurt Lemon Chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(987.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1813.2

Total Fat 121.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 534mg	0%
Sodium 2954.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.2g
Protein 138.8g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 390.2mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 2161.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.4%

Protein: 31.7%

Carbs: 5.9%