Description
Tender and juicy yogurt marinated chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices, then oven-roasted to golden perfection. A simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- Yogurt Marinade: 1 1/2 cups plain whole milk yogurt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried mint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Chicken: 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for greasing pan)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, including under the skin.
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly, ensuring marinade gets under the skin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–45 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.
- Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and arrange pieces spaced apart on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Greek yogurt can be used; thin with 2–3 tablespoons water if needed.
- Do not marinate longer than 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
- Boneless chicken may be used; reduce cook time accordingly.
- Grill instead of roasting for a smoky flavor.
- Leftovers store in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg