Spicy Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken

Name: Spicy Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken: A Flavorful Greek-Inspired Dish
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves, minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (optional, for cooling effect); 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to desired heat level)

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Looking to spice up your dinner routine? This Spicy Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken recipe combines the bold flavors of Greece with a spicy twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with Mediterranean sides like saffron rice or quinoa tabbouleh. With a quick marinade and just 12 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic meal on the table in no time.

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Spicy Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken

By Diane Kochilas

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 12

Servings

Chicken & Poultry, Main Courses, Mediterranean Diet, Recipes

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 12

Servings

Chicken & Poultry, Main Courses, Mediterranean Diet, Recipes

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt optional, for cooling effect
1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes adjust to desired heat level

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, oregano, lemon juice, and red chili flakes.
Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cook the Chicken:
Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.
Cooling Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano. Serve on the side to cool down the spiciness.
Mix Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano. Serve on the side to cool down the spiciness.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano. Serve with saffron rice, quinoa tabbouleh salad, or as part of a Greek salad.

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Notes:
Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your desired level of spiciness.

For an extra smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika to the marinade.

This recipe combines the classic Greek flavors of lemon, oregano, and cumin with a spicy kick from red chili flakes, creating a delicious and aromatic dish.

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Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

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Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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Spicy Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken