Description
Achieving tender, juicy chicken pieces is a culinary delight that enhances any meal. This recipe guides you through marinating chicken in a flavorful blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and aromatic spices, followed by a gentle baking process. The result is succulent chicken with a delightful depth of flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts), skinless
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Arrange the Chicken: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For optimal tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if time is limited, a minimum of 1 hour will still yield good results.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for grilling or pan-frying. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the tender chicken pieces with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful chicken pieces!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 250g of chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Tender chicken, marinated chicken, baked chicken, juicy chicken pieces