Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe: Juicy Indian Spiced Chicken 2026

Isabel Gaines
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe: Juicy Indian Spiced Chicken
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Yogurt marinated chicken is a staple across Indian cooking, and for good reason: the yogurt gently tenderizes the meat while cumin, coriander, turmeric and a whisper of cinnamon build a warm, aromatic flavor. The result is chicken that stays juicy on the inside with a beautifully seasoned crust on the outside.

This version keeps things simple. Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken soak in a spiced Greek yogurt marinade, ideally overnight, then cook in just 10 to 15 minutes on a grill pan. It is a weeknight-friendly main that tastes like it took far more effort.


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Serve it with boiled long-grain rice and, if you like, a drizzle of sriracha or teriyaki sauce for dipping. A scattering of fresh cilantro on top finishes it off nicely.

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Yogurt marinated chicken pieces in a spiced yogurt marinade

Cooked yogurt marinated chicken served on a plate

Ingredients for Yogurt Marinated Chicken

This recipe makes 2 servings.

  • 400 g boneless chicken (breast or boneless thighs)
  • 150 g Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • A few cilantro leaves (optional)

Ingredients for yogurt marinated chicken laid out on a table

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How to Make Yogurt Marinated Chicken Step by Step

1. Mix the Spices with the Yogurt

First, cut 400 g of boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces; breast or boneless thighs both work, depending on your preference. In a separate bowl, mix 150 g Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground cayenne, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric and 1 pinch cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mixing Greek yogurt with cumin, cayenne, coriander, turmeric and cinnamon

2. Add the Chicken and Marinate Overnight

Add the chopped chicken to the yogurt mixture and stir well to coat every piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate overnight in the fridge, or for at least 3 hours if you are short on time.

Adding chicken pieces to the spiced yogurt marinade

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3. Cook the Marinated Chicken

The next day, take the chicken out of the fridge half an hour before cooking so it is not too cold. Heat a skillet, preferably a grill pan, and cook the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is fully cooked through. The exact time will depend on the size of your pieces.

Cooking yogurt marinated chicken in a grill pan

4. Serve with Fresh Cilantro

Once cooked, serve the yogurt marinated chicken freshly made, optionally topped with a few leaves of fresh cilantro that have been washed, dried and chopped.

Yogurt marinated chicken ready to eat, garnished with cilantro

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Tips for the Best Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Choose the Right Cut and Size

Use boneless, skinless chicken, either breast or boneless thighs, and cut it into even bite-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate. Smaller pieces absorb the marinade faster and cook more quickly in the pan.

Give the Marinade Enough Time

For the deepest flavor, let the chicken rest overnight in the fridge with the yogurt and spice mixture. If you are in a hurry, 3 to 4 hours will still give you a well-seasoned, tender result.

Try Different Cooking Methods

Beyond a grill pan, you can cook the marinated chicken in the oven or an air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until fully cooked inside. For a more eye-catching presentation, thread the pieces onto skewers to make brochettes, which also makes them easy to turn in the pan.

Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Total time 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Servings 2
Course Main course
Cuisine Indian
Calories 315 calories per serving

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Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.


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