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Enjoying a plate of kefir marinated chicken and cucumber salad

Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken

An easy-to-make chicken recipe that is perfect for summertime grilling. Gluten and lactose-free, it is full of flavor and definitely kid-friendly.
4.50 from 18 votes
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Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 599kcal
Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken
  • 3/4 cup plain kefir
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Place your chicken in a sealable container to be marinated. In a small bowl, stir together the kefir, oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully combined, then pour over chicken. Seal container and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 5.
    1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken, 3/4 cup plain kefir, 1/4 cup oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
  • Preheat your grill to medium high. Remove chicken from the marinade and place directly onto grill. Sear on the first side for 8-10 minutes before flipping. Cook on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Remove from grill and let chicken rest on a plate for 5 minutes. Once your chicken has rested, cut it into slices along the bias and serve immediately. If you have made kebabs, simply serve once you've let it sit for a minute or two.

Equipment

Meat Thermometer
Food Storage Containers
Food Storage Containers
Kitchen Tongs

Notes

  • This recipe is great either with whole pieces of chicken or with the chicken cut into chunks before marinating to make into kebabs. If you plan to make kebabs, cut your chicken into chunks before marinating.
  • The Hungarian paprika is a smokier paprika that adds a nice note but not much spice to the dish, keeping its flavor profile appropriate for kids to enjoy, as well as adults.
  • Why do you let your chicken rest after grilling before you cut into it? This will help ensure that the chicken finishes cooking the last few degrees and also allows the juices to redistribute so they don't all run out when you cut into it and dry out your meat.
  • For more tips and tricks, be sure to read the full article above.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 599kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 214mg | Sodium: 513mg | Sugar: 2g

This site uses an online source to provide nutrition estimates as a courtesy. If you need exact values, please calculate yourself.