This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken is soaked in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. It’s simple and delicious!
Marinating the chicken makes it super tender and tasty, perfect for grilling or baking. Serve it with some fresh veggies and you’re all set for a yummy meal! 🍗💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they cook quickly and are tender. If you prefer, chicken thighs are a great option too—they’re juicier and can add more flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for the marinade, adding richness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil is a good choice, as it has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works fine, but fresh is always better for taste!
Herbs: I use dried oregano, thyme, and basil because they lend fantastic flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, you can use those instead. Just double the amount!
Garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Minced garlic from the jar can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor and tenderness in the chicken. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients well—this helps to combine the flavors.
- Ensure each chicken piece is coated fully in the marinade. You can massage it a bit into the chicken for better flavor absorption.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge. The longer, the better! 2 to 4 hours is ideal, but even 30 minutes will help.
- Always discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken for safety.
This process will elevate your grilled chicken to a whole new level, giving it that delicious Mediterranean flair you’re aiming for!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and then you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If possible, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours for the best flavor. Cooking the chicken on the grill will take about 12-16 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture is what will give your chicken that amazing Greek flavor!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the freshly made marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly, and if you’re using a dish, just cover it with plastic wrap. Put the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate. For a quick flavor boost, grab it after 30 minutes, but 2 to 4 hours is best!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The best way to know when it’s done is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Resting and Serving:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken if you wish and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it up with lemon wedges on the side for a little extra zing!
Your juicy, flavorful Greek-style grilled chicken is ready! It pairs wonderfully with a Greek salad, some fluffy rice, or your favorite grilled vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely first! You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, proceed with the marinating instructions as usual!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for a quick flavor boost, but 2 to 4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor penetration. You can even marinate it overnight if you’re planning ahead!
Can I Grill This Chicken Indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions. Alternatively, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Enjoy it in salads, wraps, or as a quick protein addition to your meals!
