Turkish Marinade for Chicken

Elevate your chicken dishes with this authentic Turkish Marinade for Chicken, a flavor-packed recipe that's as simple as it is delicious. This vibrant marinade combines creamy full-fat yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and rich olive oil with a medley of bold spices like cumin, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon for a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and warm flavors. Fresh parsley and minced garlic add a fragrant touch, while optional chili flakes bring a kick of heat for spice lovers. Designed for versatility, this marinade works beautifully with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, and can be grilled, roasted, or pan-seared to succulent perfection. With just 10 minutes of prep time and an overnight marinade for maximum flavor infusion, this Turkish-inspired recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Pair your beautifully spiced chicken with fluffy rice, warm flatbreads, or a fresh salad for a memorable Mediterranean meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for fans of global cuisine, this recipe is bursting with flavor and easy to make!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Plain full-fat yogurt
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 pounds Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 2

Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well to form a thick and aromatic marinade.

Step 3

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.

Step 4

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken if using a resealable bag.

Step 5

Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.

Step 7

Cook the chicken by grilling, roasting in the oven, or pan-searing until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or a side salad for a complete Turkish-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1261.6 grams (1261.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2091

Total Fat 84.80g	109%
Saturated Fat 20.90g	105%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 802mg	267%
Sodium 3162mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 25.10g	9%
Dietary Fiber 4.60g	16%
Total Sugars 13.50g
Protein 292.60g	585%

Vitamin D 143IU	717%
Calcium 505mg	39%
Iron 14mg	75%
Potassium 3068mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.5%

Protein: 57.5%

Carbs: 4.9%