Yogurt Marinated Chicken
My marinated chicken, which is tenderized and given a boost of flavor with yogurt, is based on a recipe by Sam Sifton in The New York Times. Go any direction you like with the sauce; mine is a nice balance of cool yogurt and cayenne heat. Serve with Lebanese Rice.
- Prep time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup yogurt (any fat percentage)
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 large red onion, peeled and cut in wedges
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1 cup whole-milk yogurt, chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, garlic, salt, sumac, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken, cover, and marinate for at least one hour and not more than one day.
- 2
Heat the oven to 500°F with a rack positioned in the upper third of the oven. Line a sheet pan with parchment or non-stick foil.
- 3
Toss the red onion with the chicken in the marinade, then place the chicken and onion evenly on the sheet pan, discarding the marinade. Roast for about 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking, until the chicken is nicely crisped around the edges and golden brown. Broil for a few minutes to get the chicken caramelized, if needed.
- 4
Immediately slice the chicken (I like 1/4-inch strips). Lay them over a platter of rice, if using.
- 5
Make a quick yogurt sauce by whisking the yogurt with cayenne and salt. Adjust seasonings to taste. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve the chicken hot, with the roasted onions.