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Quick 15-Minute Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Greek Yogurt Marinade

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A quick and easy grilled lemon chicken thighs recipe featuring a tangy Greek yogurt marinade that tenderizes and flavors the meat, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, juice and zest of 1 large lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and optionally a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until smooth. (5 minutes)
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add the thighs to the bowl, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the yogurt mixture. Cover and let sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan indoors, preheat it on the stove over medium-high for about 5 minutes until hot and slightly smoking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Oil the grill grates or pan lightly to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down first. Grill for about 6-7 minutes without moving them. Flip and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides such as grilled veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Do not over-marinate the chicken in yogurt; 15 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Moderate grill heat to avoid scorching the yogurt coating. Use tongs to flip chicken gently to keep skin intact. If grilling indoors, a cast iron grill pan works well. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken thighs, Mediterranean chicken

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