Mediterranean Marinated Chicken

Succulent Mediterranean chicken marinated in yogurt, turmeric, and garlic for a taste sensation you won’t want to miss.

I’m a sucker for Mediterranean Chicken…

anytime I see a sign for Mediterranean food, Gyro, or Kabob place, I automatically have to try it.

I could talk for days about the places I’ve tried and loved. I always wish they were just much closer to my house. Instead of dreaming of it. I decided it was time to make my own yogurt marinated chicken. And this recipe is a keeper. Super flavorful, the chicken is really tender, it’s the type of recipe that will be on repeat!

This recipe comes together simply and easily.

In a bowl add the chicken. I use chicken thighs as they stay so tender and juicy, but chicken breasts will work too if you don’t prefer chicken thighs. In this recipe I really love thighs. And if you’re a chicken thigh lover check out this other fantastic chicken thigh recipe.

You’ll find this Greek chicken marinated in yogurt irresistible!

Greek chicken always goes well with rice, I prefer basmati or jasmine rice. If you want to add flavor to the rice, add some saffron or tumeric and garlic to the rice. When it’s cooked add some chopped parsley.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt
• turmeric
• garlic
• oil
• lemon juice
• oregano
• paprika
• salt

The turmeric yogurt combination is super tasty.

Completely coat the chicken in the marinade mixture. Place it all in a large bowl or bag and be sure the marinade evenly coats the chicken, it’s thick and won’t spread like liquid marinade.

Marinade the chicken for at least 6 hours to overnight, it’s easiest to marinate the chicken the night before cooking. Or you can start marinating in the morning if you prefer.

This recipe can be baked or grilled.

Heat the oven or grill to 400°.

Place the chicken on a baking sheet or directly on the grill.

When grilling the chicken you’ll turn it about 3-4 times. In the oven, you’ll only need to turn it once.

I think it tastes best when it gets a little char on it, but you cook it the way you like.

Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temp of the chicken is 165°. If baking the chicken you can slice the chicken and then add it back to the baking sheet to crisp it if needed.

When it comes out of the oven, I cut all the chicken into strips.

What to serve it with…oh, the possibilities.

It’s great on a Greek salad, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions calamata olives, and feta cheese.

You can serve it alongside some hummus and taboulah.

Pile the chicken on a nice roll top it with lettuce and tomato and drizzle some fresh lemon juice on top. Add some taziki or toum for a zing of flavor.

I’ve always loved the fresh flavors you find in Mediterranean recipes and this one is no different. This turmeric marinade for chicken is a show stopper!

The chicken tastes outstanding, and it’s so tender, it’s full of lemon and garlic and the yogurt tenderizes the chicken deliciously.

Having all your favorites at the ready makes for easy meal making.

Prepare your rice when you are cooking the chicken, I like basmati rice or jasmine rice. I often add some chicken bouillon, saffron, turmeric or just add butter.

Now what are your favorite toppings…

I most often add

• tomatoes
• cucumbers
• onions
• lettuce
• feta cheese
• tzatziki sauce
• hummus
• toum
• calamata olives (or black olives)
• Greek pita

Make chicken and rice bowls, or make salads, the possibilities are endless!

And be sure to make plenty, you’ll want leftovers. I typically double the recipe and make 6 lbs of chicken… some meals you never get tired of, this is one of those. The same goes for these taco bowls.

This is a great recipe for meal prep, add all your favorite toppings. If you want to add salad items, I suggest putting them in a separate container so you can easily heat the portion you want. This recipe also freezes well.

I typically use this style container, then add rice, chicken, feta cheese, and olives. I also use 2 oz containers to put tzatziki or hummus in and place those inside the meal containers, it makes for a great item to have when eating leftovers.