These Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs in Turmeric Greek Yogurt Marinade are definitely going to be happening again at our house soon!
The Turmeric Greek yogurt marinade features not only fresh turmeric but also fresh ginger, garlic and lemon. The result is a high protein Greek yogurt marinade with all the nutrition and flavor these healthful ingredients bring. The flavor this coats and infuses the grilled boneless chicken thighs with is outstanding.
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs: about
The boneless chicken thighs were grilled on our Big Egg Egg and I was a little concerned about how the hardwood smoke permeating the coating of Greek yogurt marinade would taste. I found out. It tastes great, that's how it tastes...lol. T
he grilled boneless chicken thighs had a rich creamy tangy and slightly smokey coating, tinged yellow due to the ample use of turmeric. The chicken was tender and juicy and sections more moist from the coating and areas more like the standard "smoking bark" you get from slow cooking over a hardwood grill.
Turmeric Greek Yogurt Marinade: healthy facts
Turmeric - Don't you love it when something that is good for you is also tasty? Well, that is the case with this Greek yogurt marinade. It has a full two tablespoons of freshly grated turmeric in it. Turmeric is a known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is also frequently reported to be great for brain and heart health. There are even claims it cures some forms of cancer. I want that stuff in my food!
Greek Yogurt - As most of you know, Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar than standard yogurt. In a low carb dish like this, the plain Greek yogurt is a great choice.
The yogurt is also not just a protein source like the chicken thighs, but also an excellent source of selenium, phosphorous and Vitamins B2 & B12. All are present in significant amounts.
Making Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs in Turmeric Greek Yogurt Marinade
Other than preparing the greek yogurt marinade for these grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, it is mostly an exercise in patience to make this recipe.
Once the chicken thighs are marinating, they need to do so for at least a few hours. I did mine overnight. After that they need to be cooked low and slow, preferably over a charcoal grill. The results are worth it.
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious marinated chicken recipe.
Suggested Sides:
Try serving these delicious chicken thighs with some Sauteed Vegetables with Italian Seasoning, a few spears of Grilled Balsamic Asparagus, a dinner salad with Pomegranate Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, a large scoop of Pesto Tortellini Salad or Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese.
You may also like my Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet {One-Pot Recipe}, it is another Greek inspired chicken thigh recipe. If you have more Chicken thighs on hand, try my Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots or Chicken Bolognese.
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs in Turmeric Greek Yogurt Marinade
Ingredients
- 3-5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tbs fresh grated turmeric
- 1 tbs fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together, then pour over the boneless chicken thighs. Place the chicken thighs in refrigerator and marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, overnight is better.
- Preheat grill to 275-300 degrees. Place the chicken thighs on grill, and cook for an hour- 1 ½ hours, flip and cook for another ½ hour. Times will vary widely, based on the actual temperature of grill and size of the chicken thighs. Use your best judgement.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes to Consider
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs : Baked Turmeric Chicken Thighs Recipe
Grilled Chicken and Sweet Corn Salad
Paleo Chicken Fingers in Cauliflower Bread Crumbs
Slow Cooker Curry Chicken Thighs
Diana says
I love all the healthy ingredients in this, and that you use Greek yogurt. Perfect chicken that's never dry. Love it!
Pam Greer says
I love all the ingredients in this marinade! I've used a yogurt marinade, but not with turmeric! I always have some fresh turmeric in the freezer!
Anne says
Is the published grilling time correct? We’re using boneless chicken breasts.
Robin Gagnon says
The time listed is specifically for chicken thighs. Breasts would be cooked at a higher temp and for a much shorter period of time.
Louiza says
I've never grilled boneless chicken thighs that long and that is what I grill the most. Why so long? I usually get it grilled in about 10 minutes! Am I using too high heat? 1.5 hours seems crazy to me but maybe i've just been doing it wrong!
Robin Gagnon says
These are done on very low heat, pretty much smoked. I sometimes cook them a bit hotter for less time (30-40 minutes). Low and slow breaks down the fats and stringiness you can get in chicken thighs.
If you enjoy the thighs grilled at higher heat for 10 minutes, there is not a thing wrong with that in my book. I'm sure they are juicier that way.
Nadia says
Can these be made in the oven?
Robin Gagnon says
I would go with a slow roast on a sheet pan. If you put in a casserole, the sauce will not dry out on the thighs... which would not necessarily be a bad thing, just different.
Daniela says
For how long would you slow roast them in the oven?
Robin Gagnon says
If roasting at a low temp (275-300) give them a solid hour anyway. I personally prefer my thighs drier with fatty deposits dissolved. So, I cook them longer than that.