13 Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipes For Lunch And Dinner

Chicken Souvlaki is a Mediterranean dish that transforms the humble chicken into a Grecian masterpiece. Chicken pieces are first marinated in a creamy Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and herb mixture. As the chicken marinates, the yogurt breaks down the protein in the chicken to allow the other flavors to enter the meat.

It also leaves a certain tanginess that complements the earthiness of the herbs. Skewered and grilled, the chicken pieces develop a smoky, charred exterior contrasted by the juicy herb-infused interior.

Indian Tandoori Chicken are distinguished by the characteristic char that develops as a result of the traditional clay ovens used called tandoors. The marinade, a canvas painted with hues of red from Kashmiri chili, is enriched by fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. What truly elevates this masterpiece is the yogurt, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with a tangy richness.

The real magic unfolds in the tandoor, where the chicken undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis. The intense heat imparts a smoky char and a tantalizing aroma, creating a textural marvel—crispy on the outside, tender within. Served with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, Tandoori Chicken graces tables across India as a favorite of many.

Chicken Shawarma is a culinary feat from the Middle East that has been increasingly popular in the United States over the years. The chicken pieces are often smaller in size but the marinade pretty much remains the same. It is a yogurt-based marinate that in infused with a blend of Middle Eastern spices.

In this recipe, chicken pieces are soaked in a bath of Greek yogurt, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of lemon juice. The yogurt tenderizes the meat, while the spices provide flavor. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto skewers and grilled, allowing the edges to crisp while preserving the tenderness within.

Lemon is a popular flavor that has been traditionally paired with chicken. The acidity of lemon allows it to impart flavor to the meat while also tendering it at the same time. When yogurt is also added to this mix, it functions as a buttermilk substitute.

To really bring the flavors home, bright lemon zest is added for a citrusy brightness. Complemented by minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a medley of herbs like oregano and thyme, the marinade transforms the chicken into a canvas for flavor. The outside crust also seals in the moisture and makes it a tangy affair.

A chicken curry is a staple in Indian cuisine but its history has been debated. Nevertheless, there is no denying that it is one of the most flavorful chicken dishes that go perfectly with roti, naan, or some plain white rice. The chicken pieces are cooked in aromatic spices, herbs and a velvety concoction of yogurt. The yogurt not only acts as a tenderizing agent but also lends a luscious, tangy undertone to the curry.

Yogurt-marinated Chicken Curry is a journey through layers of complexity, where each bite unfolds a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This dish has become a celebration of Indian comfort food.

Turkish Chicken Kebabs, known as "Tavuk Şiş" in Turkey, captures the essence of Turkish cuisine. Kebabs are often marinated in yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Turkey spices like cumin and paprika. This marinated chicken is then skewered and grilled so that it develops an outside char.

Served traditionally with lavash or pita bread, these kebabs often accompany vibrant sides like fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and tangy yogurt-based sauces. The dish is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Istanbul, where the aroma of sizzling kebabs is an integral part of the culture.

Chicken Tikka Masala is yet another culinary gem born from the vibrant land of Indian foods. In this dish, the yogurt-marinated chicken is cooked in a rich tomato-based curry which has both aromas as well as textures. 

This iconic dish is a cultural crossover, believed to have originated in British curry houses but quickly embraced worldwide. It has recently become one of the most popular dishes in England as the dish becomes more and more widespread.

Shish Tawook is a Middle Eastern dish where marinated chicken is cooked in skewers to have a smoky flavor. It is a grilled chicken dish, originating from Lebanon, as a celebration of aromatic spices and succulent meat. The star of the show is the chicken, marinated in a luscious blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon, and an array of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. This marinade is the secret behind the dish's aroma and moist texture.

The result is a dish that's a sensory journey—a burst of citrus, the warmth of spices, and the charred essence of the grill. Traditionally, it is served with garlic sauce, and tahini, and nestled in warm pita bread.

Za'atar chicken wings are yet another Middle Eastern dish that is distinguished by the za'atar spice blend. Za'atar is a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other spices that impart a unique and aromatic profile that transforms ordinary wings into flavor bombs. Before adding this blend, the wings are marinated in yogurt, olive oil, and other herbs and spices.

As these wings sizzle, the za'atar infuses the chicken with fragrance and spices. The cooking process results in a crispy outside which is complemented by the soft interior of the wings. These wings are more than just a dish as they introduce these ancient flavors to the world that have stood the test of time.

Related: 20 Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings You Can Make Easily

Creamy Tarragon Chicken is defined by the delicate licorice-like aroma of fresh tarragon. To prepare this dish, tender chicken breasts or thighs are lovingly seared until golden. The addition of velvety cream sauce, made with yogurt and other spices, ensures that the meat doesn't get dry.

Now, we add the tarragon leaves. This is a unique blend prepared with sweet and peppery notes to add complexity to food. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh tarragon for a burst of brightness, this dish dances between richness and freshness.

Chicken biryani is every meat lover's dream. Flavorful rice cooked along with succulent chicken pieces marinated in traditional spices, this dish has everything you'd want from food. The yogurt plays an important role in the mix as it provides a creamy texture to the marinade and also tenderizes the meat to add vibrant flavors like in the case of Butter Chicken recipes.

As the marinated chicken meets fragrant basmati rice, the two engage in a slow-cooking affair, allowing the grains to absorb the essence of the marinade. Layers of saffron-infused rice, caramelized onions, and the yogurt-enriched chicken has both flavors and textures. The biryani is then sealed, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify the layers of flavors.

Chimichurri Grilled Chicken is a South American dish with flavors of garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, and a kick of red pepper flakes. The chimichurri sauce is the star of the show. It is prepared with a blend of chopped herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. 

As the chicken sizzles on the grill, the marinade caramelizes, forming a tantalizing crust while preserving the juicy tenderness within. The result is a flavor explosion that takes you on a journey through the landscapes of Argentina or Uruguay. Each bite delivers the smokiness from the grill, the herbaceous punch from the chimichurri, and the savory richness of perfectly grilled chicken.

As the name suggests, chipotle lime chicken has the tangy, zesty flavors of limo along with the heat from the Chipotle peppers. Both of these components are added to the marinade along with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs.

The yogurt acts as a tenderizing agent while chipotle peppers bring a sultry, smoky heat that lingers on the palate. Lime zest and juice add a refreshing zing, all creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire dish. You can either grill or bake this dish as either way it will be spicy, tangy, and irresistibly delicious.