Spicy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Legs
I grew up eating chicken legs/drumsticks and loved every minute of it! Now that I’m the head shopper of my household, I’m noticing I don’t buy these enough. And my kids absolutely love these drumsticks too! The kicker is that they are less expensive than thighs and breasts so.. you’re welcome!
Why marinate with Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt contains lactic acid and calcium, both of which tenderize the chicken meat. Lactic acid is more gentle than traditional citrus juice based marinades and does not break down the meat quite as fast making Greek yogurt marinade almost fool proof. You can marinate for 30 minutes and still have amazing results. I left mine in the fridge for 2 hours and was extremely happy with the outcome. Greek yogurt is similar to when we use buttermilk to soak our chicken drumsticks. Makes them SO juicy.
If you enjoy this meal you will definitely enjoy my ROASTED GREEK CHICKEN ‘SALAD’ or my LEMON GARLIC GREEK YOGURT CHICKEN THIGHS. On the side you should try some of my BEST MASHED POTATOES or my CRISPIEST AIR FRYER POTATOES.
Thank you for swinging by HungryHappens! If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the dish! LOVE YOUR LIFE!
Spicy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks skin on bone in
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tbs chili paste
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2.5 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, oil, garlic, chili paste, lime juice and all the seasonings. Toss the drumsticks into the mixture and coat everything well. Cover and refrigerate the bowl for a minimum of 30 minutes (I recommend 1-2 hours).
- Preheat your oven 375°F. Transfer the chicken to a large baking dish and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I also broiled mine at the end for 5 minutes to get a golden brown color. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes once outside of the oven, then serve.
Nutrition
Looking for more?
hi, can I use frozen drumsticks, and if so, do I thaw first or marinate from frozen?
thaw first! yes!
Fabulous! So easy, such great flavours
Very flavourful and tender meat. Cooking for the second time now and hope the result will be consistant.
What are you do with your leftover marinade ? Throw it out? Or do you put it all in to cook and also do you have any water broth to the pan so the chicken doesn’t stick to the Pyrex?
Hi Stella,
I have been watching your videos for a long time-everything I try that you recommend is a big hit with my family!! Thank you! Just made a version of this on the grill a couple of nights ago and I thought it was so amazing. I used frozen chicken breasts (sometimes they can be tough when thawed), and the Greek yogurt adds so much moisture-they turned out so perfectly!!!! Thanks again.
These were super delish!!
This recipe was so flavourful, and not just on the surface of the meat! I removed the skin off the chicken legs and left out the olive oil because I was trying to make it lower fat, and it was still very tender and delicious, didn’t taste low fat at all. I will definitely make again.
Trying to track calories here. 538 calories is that for 1 piece of chicken !
I’ve seen your videos on instagram and the more that i see the more i like. Today i searched for a chicken yogurt recipe and was pleasantly surprised to find yours. ill be trying it out this sunday afternoon, looking forward to the legs.
Do you think this would still be good without the chili paste? Kids won’t eat super spicy stuff. Thanks!
thank you for the amazing recepies!
can i use chicken thighs? if yes, how many?
I’ve not made this YET I was just wondering if this can be marinated over night (without the lime juice curdling the yogurt or anything else from being marinated so long)
Hi Ann, I dont recommend overnight for this recipe. I would do 2 hours marinate time.
hallo waarom beter van niet ?
komt marinade niet ten goede
so glad to flowing you . you are my top chef 4 days a week love all of them and plan on cooking every night .thanks for sharing .
Hi Viola, Glad you’re in the kitchen and enjoying it! Thanks for the kind comment!!
I have made this 4 times in the last month. Great for parties, great for week night easy peasy summer dinner. You can really change it up by adding more lime flavor or more heat with smoked paprika.
This is going to be my go to bring to parties food! Thank you!
Hi there! That’s SO great that it is on repeat! It was really well received by my friends and family too! Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment!
Can we grill these??
Hi STacey! Absolutely you can grill these!!!
Do you have a recommendation for chili paste?
Hi Jenny, Yes I use Sambal Oelek. I get it at Whole Foods but its available everywhere.