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Turkish Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

This vibrant Turkish Chicken Marinade combines a blend of paprika, cumin, garlic, and yogurt to create a flavorful and tenderizing sauce perfect for chicken. The marinade infuses the meat with a balance of spicy, smoky, and tangy notes, making it ideal for baking, grilling, or pan-frying for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated or mashed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the tomato paste, Greek yogurt, paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, black pepper, oregano, sea salt, grated garlic, and olive oil until a smooth marinade forms.
  2. Score the Chicken: For thick chicken pieces like breasts, make 2–3 shallow cuts on each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate deeper and enhance flavor absorption.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered.
  4. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, marinate for 4–5 hours or overnight.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it using your preferred method—baking in an oven, grilling on an outdoor grill, or pan-frying on the stovetop—until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • This marinade works well with other meats such as lamb or beef.
  • Using Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/turkish-chicken-marinade-recipe/