Rosemary Garlic Chicken
If you’re looking for a juicy, flavor-packed chicken recipe that’s anything but boring, this Rosemary Garlic Chicken is a must-make. It’s marinated in a creamy, tangy marinade then cooked to golden perfection.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken
Servings: 8 servings
- 1 cup Lifeway Plain Kefir
- 1/4 cup olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 minced garlic cloves divided
- 7 rosemary sprigs divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2-2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
In a bowl, whisk together Lifeway Plain Kefir, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the chicken and coat it well in the marinade. Place 5 of the rosemary sprigs around the chicken in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Cook the chicken by baking, grilling, or pan-searing until fully cooked and golden on the outside.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Finely mince the leaves from the remaining sprig of rosemary. Turn off the heat, and sauté the rosemary and garlic for 1 minute as the oil is cooling.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the cooked chicken with the seasoned olive oil.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven, stovetop, or microwave to avoid drying out
Tips
- Marinate longer for best results—overnight gives the most flavor and tenderness
- Don’t skip resting the chicken to keep it juicy
- Use fresh rosemary for the most vibrant flavor
- Cook to proper temperature (165°F internal) for perfectly done chicken
- Finish with the infused oil—it adds an extra layer of flavor that takes this dish over the top