This Greek Marinated Chicken recipe is seriously one of my ultimate go-to dishes—juicy, tangy, and layered with the sunniest Mediterranean flavors! The savory marinade works magic on tender chicken, infusing each bite with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and silky olive oil. Whether you throw it on the grill, sear it on a pan, or meal prep for the week, Greek Marinated Chicken delivers on flavor and versatility. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again, perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or making simple salads and wraps extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Marinated Chicken is in its fresh, straightforward ingredients—each one brings something unique to the table, from the brightness of citrus to the cozy warmth of herbs. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
- Chicken: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—choose thighs for even juicier results, but breasts work perfectly too.
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup—brings richness, helps the marinade coat the chicken, and keeps everything beautifully moist.
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice—adds that pop of freshness and really brightens up each bite!
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—essential for that aromatic, bold Mediterranean backbone.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon—a touch of tang that enhances the flavor complexity.
- Greek Yogurt: 1 tablespoon plain—makes the chicken tender and adds a subtle creamy note.
- Oregano: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried)—provides classic Greek herby goodness.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried—a pinch of earthy, savory aroma that plays nicely with the other herbs.
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon ground—gives a warm undertone for extra depth.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon—brings all those flavors into perfect harmony.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground—gently kicks up the flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon—where all the lemony fragrance lives, don’t skip it!
How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken
Step 1: Whip Up Your Marinade
Start by grabbing a large bowl or zip-top bag—either works great. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Greek yogurt, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, black pepper, and all that wonderful lemon zest. Just a minute of combining, and your kitchen will already smell incredible!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the bowl or bag and use your (very clean) hands or a spoon to make sure each piece is totally coated in that zesty marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag. Pop it into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle for at least an hour—though I promise the longer you wait (up to overnight), the better your Greek Marinated Chicken will taste!
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Pan
About 15 minutes before cooking, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge so it starts to come to room temperature (this ensures even cooking). Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling indoors, lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook That Gorgeous Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to let any excess drip off—no need for soggy spots! Lay the pieces on the hot grill or pan. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through and hits an internal temperature of 165°F. Trust me, your patio (or kitchen) will smell like a Greek taverna!
Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve
Once off the heat, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is the secret to juicy slices—if you cut too soon, you’ll lose all those delicious juices! After resting, slice and serve your Greek Marinated Chicken however you like best.
How to Serve Greek Marinated Chicken
Garnishes
For a little extra flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, a handful of crumbled feta, or thinly sliced red onion over your Greek Marinated Chicken. A final drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon really makes every flavor pop!
Side Dishes
There are endless ways to round out your meal! Serve your chicken alongside warm pita bread, pillowy rice, or a classic Greek salad with juicy tomatoes and cucumbers. Roasted vegetables or lemony potatoes also pair beautifully with the bright, herby flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Greek Marinated Chicken into a show-stopping wrap with creamy tzatziki, stuff it inside pita for homemade gyros, top off a big grain bowl, or layer onto salads for easy lunches. The leftovers work wonders in meal-prepped bowls and sandwiches, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some chicken left from last night’s feast? Simply store your Greek Marinated Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep getting better, making tomorrow’s lunch a win!
Freezing
You can freeze either the marinated, uncooked chicken or the cooked chicken for quick, future meals. Place chicken in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep the meat tender. Avoid overcooking so the chicken stays juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Greek Marinated Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, making them a favorite for many. Just follow the same instructions—they’ll turn out perfectly tender.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate your Greek Marinated Chicken for at least one hour, though 4–6 hours (or overnight) is ideal. Longer marination helps the chicken soak up all that lovely lemon-herb goodness.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake the marinated chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness, until it’s fully cooked and reaches 165°F inside. It turns out juicy every time.
What’s the secret to super juicy Greek Marinated Chicken?
The combo of Greek yogurt and lemon in the marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding moisture—plus, resting the meat before slicing makes all the difference!
Is Greek Marinated Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The cooked chicken stores beautifully in the fridge and can be sliced or shredded for salads, wraps, and grain bowls throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how vibrant and satisfying this Greek Marinated Chicken is—it’s a surefire way to brighten up any mealtime! Give it a try and let those fresh, bold flavors transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy every bite!
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Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender, flavorful Greek Marinated Chicken with a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, this dish is versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- zest of 1 lemon
Marinade:
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, Greek yogurt, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or longer for better flavor).
- Cook Chicken: Preheat grill or pan, remove chicken from marinade, and grill for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest, then slice and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
- This marinated chicken is versatile and pairs well with various dishes like pita, salad, rice, gyros, wraps, or grain bowls.
- Leftover marinated chicken can be frozen for later use; simply thaw and cook as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
