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Grilled Chicken
Wandile

Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

This juicy oven-grilled chicken made using a simple overnight brine and creamy yoghurt marinade. The chicken turns out tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden with slightly charred edges — all without needing an outdoor grill.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Brining Time 8 hours
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the brine
  • 6 cups water
  • ¼ cup salt (if you're using it)
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
For the marinade
  • 1 cup yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp grill & braai seasoning use any available seasoning or braai spice
  • 1 tbsp traditional braai spice
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste (if needed)
For chicken
  • 1 Whole chicken You can cut into pieces or leave as it is

Equipment

  • Large bowl or container for brining
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking tray or oven-safe dish
  • Cooking Foil
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Paper towels
  • Oven or air fryer

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare for the brine
  1. In a large bowl or container, combine the water, salt, lemon slices, and dried thyme. Stir until the salt dissolves completely.
    Add the chicken pieces to the brine, making sure they are fully covered.
    Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours.
Step 2: Remove and dry the chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the brine and lightly rinse if preferred.
    Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps the marinade stick properly and allows the chicken to brown beautifully while cooking.
Step 3: Make the marinade
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine: plain yoghurt, vegetable oil, paprika, grill and braai seasoning, traditional braai spice, black pepper, salt (if needed).
    Mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 4: Marinate the chicken
  1. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well on all sides.
    Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Prepare the oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
    Line a baking tray with cooking foil and lightly grease it with oil.
    Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Step 6: Bake the chicken
  1. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
    Halfway through cooking: flip the chicken, and brush with leftover marinade or a little oil
Step 7: Grill for extra color
  1. For extra char and that grilled finish, switch the oven to the grill/broil setting during the last 5–10 minutes.
    Watch carefully to avoid burning.