Chicken in Spicy Yogurt

Chicken in spicy yogurt is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a spicy marinade made from yogurt and a blend of spices. This recipe serves 6 and offers a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of red chillies, coriander seeds, turmeric, garam masala, garlic, onion, ginger, lime juice, salt, Greek-style yogurt, and olive oil. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful combination of heat and fragrant spices. After marinating for at least 4 hours, the chicken is cooked on a barbecue or under a grill, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat with a slightly charred exterior. Chicken in spicy yogurt is perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors, and it pairs well with naan bread or steamed rice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 dried red chillies
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2.5cm/1in piece of fresh root ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 125ml/4fl oz low-fat Greek-style yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 chicken pieces, about 2kg/4 1/2lb in total

PREPARATION:

1. Grind the dried red chillies, coriander seeds, turmeric, garam masala, garlic cloves, chopped onion, grated ginger, lime juice, and salt together using a mortar and pestle to form a spice paste.
2. Gently heat a frying pan and add the spice mixture. Stir for 2 minutes, then transfer it to a shallow dish.
3. Add the Greek-style yogurt and olive oil to the spice paste in the dish, and mix well to combine.
4. Remove the skin from the chicken pieces and make three slashes in the flesh of each piece.
5. Add the chicken to the dish containing the yogurt and spice mixture, ensuring all the pieces are coated completely in the marinade.
6. Cover the dish with cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
7. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and take off the cling film. Let it sit at room temperature, covered, for 30 minutes before cooking.
8. Heat a barbecue or grill until very hot. Wrap the chicken pieces in foil, sealing them well to prevent the juices from escaping.
9. Cook the chicken pieces over the barbecue or under the grill for about 15 minutes, turning them once.
10. Remove the foil and brown the chicken for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Serve the chicken in spicy yogurt hot.

YIELD: This recipe serves 6.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the number of dried red chillies used.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking that the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

TIPS:

• Serve the chicken in spicy yogurt with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander or mint leaves for added freshness and flavor.

In conclusion, chicken in spicy yogurt is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a marinade made from Greek-style yogurt and a blend of spices. This recipe serves 6 and offers a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

To prepare chicken in spicy yogurt, start by grinding dried red chillies, coriander seeds, turmeric, garam masala, garlic cloves, chopped onion, grated ginger, lime juice, and salt together using a mortar and pestle. This forms a fragrant spice paste.

Gently heat a frying pan and transfer the spice mixture to it. Stir for 2 minutes to release the aromas, then transfer the mixture to a shallow dish. Add Greek-style yogurt and olive oil to the dish, and mix well to combine.

Remove the skin from the chicken pieces and make three slashes in the flesh of each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate. Add the chicken to the dish with the yogurt and spice mixture, ensuring all the pieces are coated thoroughly. Cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.

Before cooking, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature, covered, for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to come closer to room temperature, promoting even cooking.

Heat a barbecue or grill until very hot. Wrap the chicken pieces in foil, sealing them tightly to retain the juices. Cook the chicken over the barbecue or under the grill for about 15 minutes, turning once. Remove the foil and brown the chicken for an additional 5 minutes to add a touch of charred flavor.

Serve the chicken in spicy yogurt hot, and pair it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy and spicy yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, while the cooking method ensures juicy and tender meat.

Customize the spiciness of the dish by adjusting the quantity of dried red chillies used. For added freshness, garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander or mint leaves.

Enjoy the bold and aromatic flavors of chicken in spicy yogurt, and savor the vibrant taste of Indian cuisine.