Heavenly Zhough-Infused Yogurt Chicken

Heavenly Zhough-Infused Yogurt Chicken

Heavenly Zhough-Infused Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy, aromatic zhough sauce and creamy yogurt marinade. This savory, vibrant recipe is packed with exotic spices and citrusy flavors, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Zhough Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
– In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
– Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade.
– Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best results.

2. Prepare the Zhough Sauce:
– In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and salt.
– Blend until the mixture is finely chopped.
– While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil and lemon juice until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:
– Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
– Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain off any excess.
– Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. Assemble the Dish:
– Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving platter.
– Drizzle generously with the prepared zhough sauce.
– Serve with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your Heavenly Zhough-Infused Yogurt Chicken!

Pro Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing mint lemonade.