So, What’s the Big Deal?
Okay, let me let you in on a little secret. You know how some grilled chicken can be kinda… blah and dry? Well, not this one! The magic trick is yogurt. Seriously! Marinating chicken in a yogurt sauce makes it unbelievably tender and juicy. It’s some kind of food science wizardry, but all you need to know is that it works and it’s amazing.
This Turkish Grilled Chicken recipe is my absolute favorite for a reason. It’s ridiculously easy to make, packed with flavor, and pretty healthy, too. So if you’re tired of boring chicken, you’ve come to the right place. Trust me, you’re gonna love it. Let’s get that grill fired up!
What You’ll Need to Grab
Don’t worry, the ingredients list is super simple, and you can totally swap things out based on what you have in the pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. (Hot tip: chicken thighs are also amazing in this if you want extra juicy results!)
- Plain Yogurt: A cup of this is the key! Regular is fine, but Greek yogurt makes the marinade extra thick and creamy.
- Olive Oil: About 1/4 cup.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! You’ll need about 1/4 cup.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced up. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Spices: You’ll want 2 teaspoons each of paprika and cumin, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course.
How Long’s This Going to Take?
Good news: the chicken does most of the work itself while it’s marinating. The actual hands-on time is super minimal.
- Prep Time: Like, 15 minutes, tops.
- Marinating Time: Give it at least an hour. But honestly? The longer the better. I try to do it the night before if I can remember!
- Cook Time: A quick 20-25 minutes on the grill.
- Total Time: All in all, you’re looking at just under two hours, but most of that is just chill time for the chicken. Totally doable for a weeknight!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready? It’s super simple, I promise.
Step 1: Chop Up the Chicken
First, just cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks. About an inch-and-a-half is the perfect size. Once you’re done, toss them all into a big bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Marinade
Now for the good stuff! In a separate bowl, dump in the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all those glorious spices. Give it a good whisk until it’s all smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Let the Chicken Take a Bath!
Pour that amazing-smelling marinade all over the chicken and give it a good mix so every single piece is covered. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. But seriously, if you can let it hang out for 4-6 hours (or even overnight!), you will be rewarded with the most flavorful chicken ever.
Step 4: Skewer ‘Em Up!
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to give them a bath in water for about 30 minutes first—this stops them from turning to ash on the grill! Then, just thread your marinated chicken onto the skewers. I love to add chunks of bell pepper and red onion in between to make it a whole meal on a stick!
Step 5: Time to Grill!
Get your grill nice and hot—medium-high heat is what you’re aiming for. Slap those skewers on and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has those awesome, charry grill marks.
Step 6: Let It Rest (Super Important!)
I know, I know, you want to dive right in. But trust me on this: let the chicken rest for a few minutes after you take it off the grill. It makes it SO much juicier. Then, you can finally go to town! Serve it with some fluffy rice, a fresh salad, or whatever you’re feeling.
And That’s It!
See? How easy was that? You’ve just made some of the best grilled chicken of your life. It’s so good, you’ll feel like you’re on a Mediterranean vacation.
I really hope you try this one out. If you do, let me know what you think! I have a feeling it’s going to become your new go-to recipe for cookouts and easy dinners.
Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!
- Can I use something other than chicken?
Totally! This marinade is amazing on lamb cubes or even beef sirloin. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. - What should I serve this with?
Oh man, the options are endless! It’s fantastic with rice, a big fresh salad, or just wrapped up in some warm pita bread. A little yogurt or tzatziki sauce on the side is an absolute must for me. - Help, I don’t have a grill!
No grill, no problem! A grill pan on your stovetop works great. Or even a regular frying pan will do the trick in a pinch. You’ll still get a delicious result! - Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, and you totally should! That’s the beauty of it. You can let the chicken marinate for a whole day, which makes it perfect for getting a head start on dinner or for a weekend barbecue. Easy peasy
