Turkish Chicken Thighs 400 Winner

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these irresistible Turkish Chicken Thighs, a "400°F Winner" baked to perfection. Infused with a luscious marinade of creamy yogurt, aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon, these boneless, skinless chicken thighs are both tender and deeply flavorful. The balance of tangy fresh lemon juice, rich olive oil, and a touch of cayenne heat makes them a true taste sensation. Roasted in the oven until golden and juicy, this dish is a breeze to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional jewel-like pomegranate seeds, these chicken thighs are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Pair with rice, flatbread, or a crisp salad for a complete Turkish-inspired feast that's sure to impress. Perfect for both weekday dinners and casual entertaining!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the marinade is smooth and well combined.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Discard any excess marinade.

Step 5

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs are golden brown. For extra caramelization, you can broil them for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 8

Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad to complete your Turkish-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(987.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1889.3

Total Fat 114.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 764.7mg	0%
Sodium 4201.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.4g
Protein 172.4g	0%

Vitamin D 159.6IU	0%
Calcium 637.7mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 2426.2mg	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: 54.9%

Protein: 36.8%

Carbs: 8.3%