Spicy Tarragon Yogurt Chicken

Chef John's spicy tarragon yogurt chicken recipe marinates chicken in a tarragon, Greek yogurt, and harissa marinade before grilling to perfection.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 316 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 bunch fresh tarragon sprigs, leaves only
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or citrus juice
• 4 large chicken breast halves
• 0.5 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
• 0.25 cup harissa sauce (see footnote for recipe link)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Set 4 tarragon sprigs aside; strip leaves from remaining sprigs. Combine tarragon leaves, Greek yogurt, harissa sauce, vinegar, garlic, cumin, and salt in a blender; blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Pour marinade over chicken breasts in a shallow dish, thoroughly coating both sides. Cover dish; refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 3

Remove chicken breasts from marinade, letting excess drip off; discard remaining marinade.

Step 4

Cook chicken on the preheated grill until dark grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into centers of breasts should read at least 165 F (74 C).

Step 5

Garnish chicken breasts with harissa sauce and reserved tarragon sprigs.