Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors while feeling fresh and comforting, the Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and creamy Greek yogurt with the tangy richness of dill feta cream, this meal is perfectly balanced by crispy, golden baby potatoes. It’s an absolute celebration of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as approachable as it is irresistible? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe uses simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. Every element is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, contrast, and a beautiful presentation that will delight your senses.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 pounds): Choose your favorite cut for tender, flavorful protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
  • Greek yogurt (1 cup): Acts as the marinade’s creamy base, tenderizing the chicken and adding tang.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses aromatic depth and warmth into the marinade.
  • Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Brings a smoky sweetness that elevates the spiciness.
  • Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a subtle nutty undertone.
  • Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides an exciting kick without overwhelming the palate.
  • Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens flavors and balances the richness.
  • Olive oil (3 tablespoons in total): Helps create a luscious marinade and crisps the potatoes perfectly.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out every flavor.
  • Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds, halved): When roasted, they achieve that perfect crispy outside with a fluffy interior.
  • Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to both potatoes and cream.
  • Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers a salty, creamy bite in the dill feta cream.
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Blends into the feta to create a silky sauce with tang.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For an added touch of heat in the dill feta cream if you like it spicy.

How to Make Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Start by combining the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flavorful mixture will tenderize and infuse the chicken with a perfect balance of creamy heat and aromatic spices.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the spicy yogurt marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; ideally, allow it to marinate up to 4 hours so those bold flavors can sink in deeply.

Step 3: Prepare and Roast the Baby Potatoes

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped dill. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy inside.

Step 4: Make the Dill Feta Cream

While the potatoes roast, mash together the crumbled feta cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir in the remaining fresh dill and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Chill this creamy, tangy sauce until you’re ready to serve, as it adds the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through with a nice char, locking in all the spice and moisture. This step is what brings the marinade to life, creating a juicy, flavorful centerpiece.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Serve each portion of the chicken with a generous dollop of the dill feta cream alongside the crispy roasted baby potatoes. A sprinkle of extra fresh dill on top makes for a bright finish that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

How to Serve Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe

Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like additional dill or even a scattering of chopped parsley brighten the plate and elevate the fresh flavors in this dish. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the chicken before serving adds a perfect finishing touch that ties together all the elements wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty on its own, but if you want to expand your meal, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables complements the spicy yogurt-marinated chicken beautifully without competing with the vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, arrange the chicken sliced on a platter with the roasted potatoes on the side and small bowls of dill feta cream for dipping. Alternatively, pile everything into warm flatbreads with some cucumber slices for a fun, handheld variation that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the dill feta cream separate preserves its freshness and texture best.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and roasted baby potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The dill feta cream does not freeze well due to its dairy base and is best made fresh or kept refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Warm the potatoes in the oven or a pan to bring back their crispiness. Serve the dill feta cream chilled alongside for that fresh zing each time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually great in this Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making the marinade even more delightful.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish offers a gentle heat, thanks to the cayenne pepper and optional crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce or omit those ingredients without sacrificing the overall flavor balance.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken right before you’re ready to marinate to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What can I substitute for baby potatoes?

Small fingerling potatoes or new potatoes are excellent substitutes. If you prefer, roasted sweet potatoes are also delicious here, adding a touch of natural sweetness against the spicy chicken.

Is the dill feta cream necessary?

While it’s optional, the dill feta cream truly completes the dish by bringing a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken and crispy potatoes. It’s worth making; however, plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki can also work as alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe is a wonderfully satisfying meal that feels special without being complicated. Each bite sings with the harmony of spice, creaminess, and crispy goodness, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your favorite dishes too!

Print
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Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe

Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream and Crispy Baby Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Dill Feta Cream & Crispy Baby Potatoes recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken marinated in a spiced Greek yogurt blend, paired with crispy roasted baby potatoes and a cool, creamy dill feta sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, the chicken is grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection, balanced by the tangy and refreshing dill feta cream. The crispy potatoes add a comforting touch, making this Mediterranean-inspired meal both vibrant and hearty.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Baby Potatoes

  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

For the Dill Feta Cream

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Roast the baby potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped dill. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
  4. Make the dill feta cream: In a small bowl, mash the crumbled feta cheese and mix it with sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped dill, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Chill this sauce until ready to serve.
  5. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken pieces over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Serve: Plate the grilled chicken alongside the crispy roasted baby potatoes. Top the chicken with a generous dollop of dill feta cream and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat.
  • If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a heavy skillet or grill pan works well for pan-searing the chicken indoors.
  • The crushed red pepper flakes in the dill feta cream are optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
  • Leftover dill feta cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a dip or spread.
  • Baby potatoes can be substituted with fingerling potatoes or small Yukon gold potatoes if preferred.

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