# Spicy Yogurt Chicken

> Yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, and spices make a flavorful marinade for boneless chicken pieces in this recipe adapted from Serious Eats. They're threaded onto wooden skewers, then cooked on the grill.

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Marinate time:** at least 4 hours
**Cook time:** 40 minutes
**Total time:** 4 hours 55 minutes (including marinating)
**Servings:** 4 to 6
**Storage:** Refrigerates 3-4 days

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## Ingredients

- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons hot paprika
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, in 1 1/2-inch cubes

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## Shopping List

### 🥩 Meat & Poultry
- [ ] 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs

### 🥛 Dairy
- [ ] 1 cup plain yogurt

### 🥬 Produce
- [ ] 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- [ ] 1 tbsp fresh ginger root
- [ ] 2 tsp minced garlic (or 2 cloves)

### 🧂 Spices & Oils
- [ ] 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- [ ] 1 tbsp kosher salt
- [ ] 2 tsp smoked paprika
- [ ] 2 tsp hot paprika
- [ ] 1 tsp ground black pepper
- [ ] 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- [ ] 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

### 🔧 Equipment
- [ ] Wooden skewers

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## Instructions

1. **Make marinade and marinate chicken.** In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, ginger, salt, smoked paprika, hot paprika, garlic, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Set aside. Place the chicken in a large zipper-top plastic bag. Pour in the marinade and seal, tossing to make sure everything's well distributed. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 4 and as many as 8 hours.

2. **Thread chicken onto skewers.** Drain the chicken and discard the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto wooden skewers.

3. **Grill chicken.** Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high and generously oil the grates. Grill the skewers until they're well browned on all sides and center of chicken registers between 160 and 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer skewers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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## Notes

- **Wooden skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.
- **Indoor option:** Can also be cooked under the broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- **Spice level:** Adjust the hot paprika and cayenne to your heat preference.

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## Serving Ideas

- Serve with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables
- Pair with tzatziki sauce and pita bread
- Serve over a fresh salad
- Accompany with roasted potatoes and cucumber salad

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## Attribution

SOURCE: http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/spicy-yogurt-chicken-31426
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