Yogurt Chicken

Yogurt chicken is a tasty and creamy dish, and an interesting variation could be to prepare an Italian-style yogurt chicken using typical Italian herbs such as rosemary and basil. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 250 ml of Greek or whole natural yogurt
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)
• 1 bunch of aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the finely chopped garlic, lemon juice and zest, chopped aromatic herbs, salt, pepper, and chili pepper if you desire a spicy touch.

2. Dip the chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally for 3-4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat well.

3. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

4. Arrange the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and bake it.

5. Cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked just right. The skin should be crispy and the inside juicy.

6. Serve the chicken hot, perhaps accompanied by a fresh green salad or baked vegetables.

Curiosity

Yogurt chicken is a versatile preparation that lends itself to many variations: spiced marinades according to Middle Eastern tradition, adding curry for a more Indian profile, or using different types of yogurt can create different nuances in the final result. In the case of the Italian version, the use of fresh aromatic herbs brings unique freshness to the dish, tying it to the taste and culinary tradition of Italy. Remember that yogurt, in addition to providing flavor, helps to tenderize the meat during the marinating process.