Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe

This unique and mouth-watering recipe of yogurt and dill marinated chicken is a perfect blend of flavors that's sure to impress. The tender chicken is marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, aromatic dill, and other spices which seep into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Photos of Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe

The ingredients for the yogurt and dill marinated chicken are mostly pantry staples. However, Greek yogurt and fresh dill may not be readily available in your kitchen. Greek yogurt, thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, works wonders in marinating the chicken, while fresh dill adds an aromatic touch. When heading to the supermarket, pay special attention to these items.

Key Ingredients for Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken

Greek yogurt: This is the base of the marinade. Its thickness and acidity help tenderize the chicken and carry the flavors of the other ingredients.

Olive oil: Adds a rich, earthy flavor to the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist.

Sherry vinegar: Adds a sweet tanginess to the marinade that balances the richness of the yogurt.

Curry powder: This blend of spices adds depth and warmth to the marinade.

Cumin: Adds a smoky flavor to the marinade.

Fresh dill: Gives the marinade a distinct, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.

Garlic: Adds a robust, savory flavor to the marinade.

Lemon zest: Infuses the marinade with a bright, citrusy flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other flavors in the marinade.

Chicken: The star of the dish that will be transformed by the flavorful marinade.

One reader, Ingrid Shearer says:

This yogurt and dill marinated chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the chicken turns out incredibly tender. The combination of yogurt, dill, and spices creates a deliciously unique marinade that's perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal. I highly recommend trying it out!

Ingrid Shearer

Marinating Techniques for Flavorful Chicken

How to marinate the chicken: Combine the yogurt, olive oil, sherry vinegar, curry powder, and cumin in a large bowl. Add the dill, garlic, lemon zest, and season with pepper. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it is well coated, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

How to bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking pan with oil. Place the marinated chicken on the prepared baking pan, ensuring the pieces are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.

How to rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How To Make Greek Yogurt-and-Dill-Marinated Chicken

In this recipe, we are showing you a unique way of using Greek Yogurt and Dill for this marinated chicken dish. Try this at home and have a filling dinner!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Total: 3 hours 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsGreek yogurt
3tbspextra-virgin olive oil
2tbspsherry vinegar
4tspcurry powder
1tspground cumin
¼cupchopped fresh dill
2clovesgarlicminced
1tbsplemon zest
ground black pepper to taste
6ozskinlessboneless chicken breast halves

Instructions

Combine yogurt with olive oil, vinegar, curry powder, and cumin in a large bowl.
Add dill, garlic, and lemon zest to the marinade. Season with pepper.
Submerge the chicken in the marinade and coat well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
Remove chicken from marinade; let rest until chicken reaches room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking pan with oil.
Place the chicken on the prepared baking pan, making sure chicken pieces are not touching.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.
Remove chicken from oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 229.04kcal
Fat: 18.19g
Saturated Fat: 6.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.65g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.15g
Carbohydrates: 7.20g
Fiber: 1.45g
Sugar: 4.90g
Protein: 11.08g
Cholesterol: 19.15mg
Sodium: 70.26mg
Calcium: 120.05mg
Potassium: 52.24mg
Iron: 0.91mg
Vitamin A: 2.68µg
Vitamin C: 2.93mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting This Marinated Chicken Recipe

To ensure your chicken is tender and flavorful, it's crucial to give it enough time to marinate. The acidity in the yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken, while the herbs and spices infuse it with flavor. For best results, aim for a minimum of 2 hours. If you have more time, letting it marinate overnight will yield even more flavorful results. Also, remember to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking. This allows for even cooking and helps to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

Time-Saving Tips for Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe

Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, saving you time on the day of cooking.

Pre-cut ingredients: Pre-chop the dill, garlic, and lemon zest ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will cut down on prep time when you're ready to marinate the chicken.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly blend the marinade ingredients together, saving time and ensuring a smooth and well-combined mixture.

Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, use that time to prepare side dishes or set the table, making the overall meal preparation more efficient.

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven while the chicken is resting at room temperature, ensuring that it's ready to go once the chicken is ready to be baked.

Substitute Ingredients For Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe

Greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative for marinating the chicken.
Extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a great substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
Sherry vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor, which can work well in place of sherry vinegar.
Curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a warm and aromatic flavor similar to curry powder, adding depth to the marinade.
Ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the other spices in the marinade.
Fresh dill - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a mild onion flavor and can provide a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
Lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest can add a bright citrusy flavor to the marinade, similar to lemon zest.
Ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly earthy flavor, complementing the other spices in the marinade.

Presentation Ideas for Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken

Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add vibrant colors and delicate textures to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Utilize a balsamic reduction or herb-infused oil to create elegant and intricate designs on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces with precision, ensuring that the plate exudes harmony and balance. Pay attention to the placement of each element to create a visually appealing composition.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Incorporate colorful elements such as roasted vegetables or pickled radishes to add visual interest and contrast to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose fine china or artisanal ceramic plates to showcase the dish, elevating the dining experience and adding a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of finesse by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or toasted sesame seeds, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor profile of the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Marinated Chicken

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's perfect for making marinades, sauces, and dressings.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the yogurt marinade ingredients and coating the chicken evenly. It's important to use a non-reactive material such as glass or stainless steel when marinating with acidic ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice.
Baking pan: A baking pan is used to cook the marinated chicken in the oven. It should be lightly greased to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to cover the cooked chicken, allowing it to rest and retain its juices before serving.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Marinated Chicken

Let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the chicken fresher for longer.
Store the leftover marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best quality and to avoid any potential food safety issues.
If you want to freeze the marinated chicken, place the cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of when the chicken was frozen.
Frozen marinated chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. After this time, the quality may start to deteriorate, but it will still be safe to eat.
To thaw the frozen marinated chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Avoid thawing the chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Once thawed, cook the chicken within 1-2 days for the best quality and flavor. Do not refreeze the chicken once it has been thawed, as this can affect its texture and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
If you have leftover yogurt marinade, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, if the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, it should be discarded to avoid cross-contamination.

How To Reheat Leftover Marinated Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the chicken loosely with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftover yogurt and dill marinated chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of chicken and the power of your microwave.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy on the outside.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover chicken in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or olive oil to the pan to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help keep it moist. Cover the pan with a lid and heat the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through, flipping the pieces halfway through.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated yogurt and dill marinated chicken, try slicing it and adding it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The cold salad will provide a nice contrast to the warm, flavorful chicken.

Interesting Trivia About Yogurt and Dill Marinade

The yogurt and dill marinated chicken recipe is a great source of protein and healthy fats. The combination of yogurt and dill not only adds a delicious flavor to the chicken but also provides a good dose of probiotics and antioxidants. This dish is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal, and it can be served with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the benefits of this nutritious and tasty chicken recipe!

Is Making Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Cost-Effective?

This yogurt and dill marinated chicken recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken, yogurt, and dill, are affordable and readily available. The use of economical pantry staples like olive oil and spices enhances the flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 9/10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Marinated Chicken Recipe Healthy?

The yogurt and dill marinated chicken recipe is a relatively healthy dish with several nutritious ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:

Healthy components:

Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics
Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
Dill, garlic, and lemon zest offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Skinless chicken is a lean protein source

Potential concerns:

The recipe contains a significant amount of yogurt, which may contribute to higher calorie and fat content
Curry powder and cumin, while flavorful, may be high in sodium depending on the brand used

To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the overall calorie and fat content without compromising on protein and calcium
Increase the amount of fresh herbs, such as dill, to boost the dish's antioxidant and vitamin content while adding more flavor
Incorporate additional vegetables into the recipe, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient density
Serve the marinated chicken with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a leafy green salad to create a well-rounded, balanced meal
Experiment with using a portion of the yogurt marinade as a dipping sauce, reducing the amount of marinade that clings to the chicken and, consequently, the calorie and fat content

Editor's Opinion on This Marinated Chicken Dish

The yogurt and dill marinated chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of Greek yogurt, dill, and aromatic spices creates a rich and tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste. The use of sherry vinegar and lemon zest adds a refreshing zing, while the baking method ensures a juicy and tender result. This dish is a perfect balance of creamy, herby, and savory elements, making it a versatile and impressive addition to any dining experience.

Enhance Your Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the flavorful yogurt and dill marinated chicken.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a refreshing and vibrant side dish for the marinated chicken.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and infused with aromatic thyme, a delightful accompaniment to the savory marinated chicken.

Similar Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate your favorite vegetables in a zesty herb and garlic marinade, then grill them to perfection for a healthy and delicious side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cook tender beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone delicious. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds to create a refreshing and tropical dessert that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry Cheesecake: Enjoy a velvety smooth strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry topping. A delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The Greek yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with rich, tangy notes. The blend of curry powder and cumin creates a harmonious balance of warm, aromatic spices, while the addition of sherry vinegar imparts a subtle depth. The aromatic dill and zesty lemon zest elevate the dish, promising a burst of freshness. With the assurance of succulent, well-seasoned chicken, this recipe is a testament to culinary excellence.

Want to share your experience with this Yogurt and Dill Marinated Chicken Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but the marinade may be slightly thinner in consistency. Greek yogurt provides a thicker and creamier texture, but regular yogurt will still work.

Can I grill the marinated chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling the marinated chicken will add a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook it over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for longer, but be cautious as the acidity from the yogurt and vinegar can start to break down the chicken if left for too long. Marinating for 2-4 hours will infuse enough flavor into the chicken.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I substitute dill with another herb?

Certainly! If you're not a fan of dill, you can use other fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or tarragon to suit your taste preferences. Each herb will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.