3 Ways to Use Up Leftover Yoghurt - Complete Meal

Got a tub of natural yoghurt that needs using up before it goes off? Don't throw it away! I'm going to show you how to turn one ingredient into an ENTIRE meal: homemade flatbreads, tender marinated chicken, and a quick yoghurt dressing to tie it all together. Let's get into it!

Watch me make this on YouTube!

What's Included

Three separate recipes, each using natural yoghurt in a completely different way. Make them all together for a zero-waste complete meal, or dip into each recipe individually whenever you need it.

1. 2-Ingredient Yoghurt Flatbreads

The EASIEST homemade flatbreads you'll ever make: just yoghurt and self-raising flour, no yeast, no proving, no faff. Soft, fluffy, and ready in 20 minutes.

2-Ingredient Yoghurt Flatbreads - Two ingredients, 20 minutes, and completely DELICIOUS.

2. Yoghurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

The lactic acid in yoghurt tenderises the chicken until it's melt-in-your-mouth incredible. Marinate with Indian spices (or whatever you fancy) and cook on the BBQ or in the oven.

Yoghurt Marinated Chicken Thighs - The best way to get tender, flavourful chicken with minimal effort.

3. Easy Yoghurt Dressing

A quick, versatile dressing ready in 5 minutes using whatever herbs and spices you have in the fridge. Drizzle over the chicken and flatbreads to bring the whole meal together.

Easy Yoghurt Dressing - Ready in 5 minutes and endlessly adaptable.

How to Put the Meal Together

The night before (or morning of):

• Marinate the chicken in the spiced yoghurt, ideally overnight and at least 2-3 hours ahead

1 hour before serving:

• Make the flatbread dough and leave to rest for 15 minutes
• Make the yoghurt dressing and pop it in the fridge
• Roll out and pan-fry the flatbreads
• Keep cooked flatbreads wrapped in a tea towel to stay warm and soft

30 minutes before serving:

• Cook the marinated chicken (BBQ for best results, or bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes)

To serve:

• Slice the chicken, warm the flatbreads if needed, and drizzle everything with the yoghurt dressing

Why Yoghurt Is So Useful for Cooking

It tenderises meat: The lactic acid breaks down proteins, making chicken INCREDIBLY soft, and you can really taste the difference compared to an unmarinated bird.

It makes flatbreads soft: Yoghurt adds moisture and tang, giving you fluffy flatbreads without any yeast or proving time.

It carries flavour brilliantly: Whether in a marinade or a dressing, yoghurt holds spices and herbs and distributes them evenly through the dish.

It's versatile: Works in savoury and sweet recipes, making it one of the hardest-working ingredients you can keep in the fridge.

Shopping List for the Complete Meal

• 500-700g natural yoghurt
• 350g self-raising flour
• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• Spices: smoked paprika, garam masala, cumin, turmeric (or whatever you have)
• Fresh coriander
• 1 spring onion
• Sambal or chilli sauce
• Salt, pepper, and oil for cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of natural yoghurt? Yes! Greek yoghurt works brilliantly across all three recipes. It's thicker, so you might need slightly less flour in the flatbreads.

What if I don't have self-raising flour? Make your own: combine 350g plain flour with 31⁄2 teaspoons baking powder and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs stay more tender and juicy when marinated. If using breast, keep a close eye on it so it doesn't dry out.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of on the BBQ? Absolutely, bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. You won't get the smoky char, but it's still DELICIOUS.

My flatbread dough is too sticky - what do I do? Add more flour one tablespoon at a time until it's manageable. Different yoghurts have different moisture levels, so this is completely normal.

Can I make the flatbreads ahead and freeze them? Yes! Cook them first, cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a dry pan when needed.

You Might Also Like

Homemade Chicken Stock - A brilliant zero-waste recipe to make with the bones from your chicken thighs.

The BEST Air Fryer Chips - The perfect side dish to serve alongside this yoghurt-marinated chicken.

Zaalouk - Moroccan Roasted Aubergine Dip - Another brilliant yoghurt-based dip that's INCREDIBLE with homemade flatbreads.

If there's a tub of natural yoghurt in your fridge that needs using up, this is the meal to make. One ingredient, three recipes, and an entire dinner on the table that tastes like you've put in far more effort than you actually have. The flatbreads alone are worth making on repeat, and they're SO much better than anything you'll buy from the shops. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or clearing out the fridge before the weekly shop, this is SMART, zero-waste cooking at its very best.

Enjoy!

Del x

One tub of leftover yoghurt becomes an ENTIRE delicious meal: easy 2-ingredient flatbreads, tender marinated chicken, and a quick yoghurt dressing. Zero-waste cooking at its absolute best.