Chicken Thighs In Yogurt

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful yogurt sauce with garlic, onions, and parsley, making a tender, creamy dish perfect for comforting family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium yellow onions
  • 8 chicken thighs
  • 2 c. plain yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat a large frying pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Add garlic and sliced onions; sauté until the onions are tender, without browning.
  3. Heat a second frying pan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  4. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides in the second pan.
  5. Remove the browned chicken to a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
  6. When the onions are tender, remove from heat and stir in the yogurt and chopped parsley.
  7. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken thighs.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have plain yogurt, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for its creaminess. Consider using boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika to the yogurt mixture for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of Mediterranean rice pilaf for a complete meal. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a fresh contrast. The creamy yogurt sauce complements well with sides like roasted potatoes or a hearty bread. For a lighter option, consider serving with a side of Greek chicken soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and yogurt mixture in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Thighs In Yogurt contains roughly 643 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

643 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 64.7g 83% DV
Carbs 13.2g 5% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 237.6mg 10% DV
Potassium 411.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 4.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.9mcg
Vitamin C 8.5mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 20.5mg 2% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but note that they may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they remain juicy while still absorbing the yogurt flavor.

What can I serve with Chicken Thighs in Yogurt?

This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean rice pilaf or a refreshing cucumber salad. You might also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious yogurt sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and yogurt mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you're ready to serve. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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