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Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream

Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream

Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream is a deliciously tangy and creamy dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and Greek yogurt, paired with a refreshing herb-infused feta cream. This recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and coolness, quick preparation, and versatile serving options, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dill Feta Cream

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or mint), chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and fragrant to ensure even spice distribution for tender, flavorful chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat each piece thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; preferably overnight for maximum absorption and tenderness.
  3. Make the Dill Feta Cream: While the chicken marinates, mix crumbled feta cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in finely chopped fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then keep chilled until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely charred on the edges. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  5. Plate and Serve: Arrange chicken on serving plates and spoon generous amounts of dill feta cream on top or alongside. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or lemon wedges if desired for added color and aroma.

Notes

  • Use full-fat yogurt for better tenderizing and creaminess without thinning the marinade.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Allow the cooked chicken to rest before serving to lock in juices for moist, tender bites.
  • Use fresh dill for the feta cream; dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken, yogurt marinade, dill feta cream, grilled chicken, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner