Description
This Yogurt-Marinated Greek Chicken is a flavorful and tender roasted chicken dish featuring a tangy marinade made with whole milk yogurt, lemon, garlic, and a blend of aromatic Mediterranean spices. Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours allows the yogurt and spices to deeply infuse the meat, resulting in juicy, aromatic chicken pieces that are baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a delicious and healthy Greek-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Yogurt Marinade
- 1 1/2 cups plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 lemons, one zested and both juiced
- 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
- Pinch kosher salt
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds), divided into pieces
- Pinch kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing and roasting)
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Make the marinade. In a large bowl with a lid, combine the yogurt, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until fully incorporated to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Season and marinate the chicken. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, making sure to also season underneath the skin for enhanced flavor. Place the chicken into the prepared marinade and coat thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Seal the bowl with its lid and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet generously with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove excess marinade from the chicken to avoid burning and arrange the pieces skin side up on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Roast in the hot oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through, the skin is golden and slightly crisp, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and serve. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight, but if short on time, 30 to 45 minutes will still yield tasty results.
- If preferred, you can use pre-cut whole chicken pieces instead of carving your own.
