Yogurt-Marinated Oven Chicken

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 8 hrs
Rest Time 40 mins
Total Time 8 hrs 55 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Yogurt-Marinated Oven Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with warm aromatic spices. The creamy yogurt marinade locks in moisture while creating a beautifully golden, flavorful crust in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this easy baked chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt (room temperature)
  • 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin removed, bone-in preferred)
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder (optional, adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
    • For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken
  1. 1
    Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade stick better and ensures proper roasting. If using large chicken thighs, make 2–3 shallow slits on each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
    2. Make the Yogurt Marinade
  2. 2
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
  3. 3
    The yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer due to its mild acidity, while the spices create layers of warm, rich flavor.
    4. Marinate the Chicken
  4. 4
    Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and coat thoroughly using your hands or a spatula. Ensure the marinade goes into the slits for maximum flavor.
  5. 5
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate for 6–8 hours or overnight.
    6. Prepare for Baking
  6. 6
    Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
  7. 7
    Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking and browning.
    8. Bake the Chicken
  8. 8
    Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  9. 9
    Halfway through cooking (around 20 minutes), lightly brush the chicken with a small amount of olive oil for extra browning.
  10. 10
    The chicken is done when:
  11. 11
    Internal temperature reaches 75°C
  12. 12
    The outside is golden brown
  13. 13
    Juices run clear when pierced
  14. 14
    For extra charred edges, broil for the last 3–5 minutes.
    15. Rest and Serve
  15. 15
    Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
  16. 16
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Note
  • For extra smoky flavor, add 0.5 tsp smoked paprika.
  • Boneless chicken breast can be used, but reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes to prevent drying.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Serve with rice, naan, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad.
  • You can turn this into wraps or sandwiches for meal prep.
Keywords: easy baked chicken, healthy dinner, yogurt marinade, oven roasted chicken, meal prep
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/yogurt-marinated-oven-chicken/