Baked Chicken with Garlic Yogurt

Oven Baked Chicken with Garlic Yogurt! If you’re looking for a dish that is creamy, delicious and easy, then this oven-baked chicken with garlic yogurt is an amazing option. This recipe bakes in one tray using minimal ingredients that you probably have in your pantry.

This is truly a no-fuss way of producing a delicious meal with remarkable results. Oven baked chicken with garlic yogurt uses tender, juicy chicken thighs with creamy garlic-infused Greek yogurt. This creates a wonderful medley of flavors. You’ll love it and your family will rave about it.

Thick Greek yogurt is a great replacement for heavy cream or half-half. Depending on your mood, Greek yogurt can also be substituted for heavy cream, it will produce a creamier and more robust flavors. One of the amazing benefits of Greek yogurt is that it produces a delicious sauce that is light, refreshing and slightly tangy.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs, Greek Yogurt, Olive oil, Garlic Cloves, Parsley, Paprika, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Salt & Pepper.

To create a flavorful and juicy chicken thighs, it is important to marinate the chicken in spices and yogurt. We chose a creamy Greek yogurt which forms a thick base for this recipe. Fresh garlic cloves that are minced and finely grated add a lot of flavor to the chicken in the baking process. Black pepper, paprika and salt will round out the flavors.

Once the chicken thighs are coated in the marinade, it is optional to let it rest in the refrigerator for a an hour or two. Moreover, this recipe can be grilled, pan-seared or baked and it makes the perfect meal for a busy weeknight dinner. It is marinated and baked in one dish so clean up will be a breeze.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Add the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, paprika powder, nutmeg powder, salt and black pepper. Mix the marinade into the chicken to ensure that the underneath of the chicken is coated with the marinade.

The marinade will impart powerful flavors into chicken thighs. For best results, marinate the chicken thighs for 1 to 3 hours, or until the next day. Keep the chicken in its marinade in the refrigerator.

The longer the chicken thighs marinate, the better. The flavors will intensify and the lactic acid will break down the protein in the chicken, resulting in a more tender chicken.

Bake the Chicken: Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bone-in thighs will take 60 minutes to bake in the oven. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a crispier finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last two minutes of baking and this will result in a lovely charred top which has a ton of flavor.

Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes, this will ensure that the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with parsley for freshness.

What to Serve Oven Baked Chicken with Garlic Yogurt with?

Serve alongside Garlic Bread, Jasmine Rice, White Rice, Roasted Vegetables, Bulgur Salad, Greek Salad, Tomato Soup will also complement this meal.

How to Store Oven Baked Chicken with Garlic Yogurt?

Store in the fridge for two to three days. Thinking about freezing this recipe? Well, it is recommended that you place the marinated chicken in a freezer safe bag and store in the freezer. It can last for three months. When you’re ready to it, simply thaw it and add the chicken to a baking tray.

Can I use other cuts of chicken besides thighs? Yes, you can use drumsticks, chicken breasts or a whole chicken. Cooking times will vary accordingly.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is thick and extra creamy. It is highly recommended for this recipe. If you don’t have it, you can use regular yogurt. Make sure to drain excess liquid.

What if I don’t have Paprika or nutmeg? Chili powder, cayenne pepper or red pepper powder can be used in place of paprika. A substitute for nutmeg is cinnamon.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it? Yes, Add a generous amount of olive oil or butter to the grill pan and grill the chicken for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side.