This easy Greek marinated chicken is packed with flavor! You’ll mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to make a tasty marinade that makes the chicken tender and juicy.
I love how quick this dish is to prepare—just marinate the chicken and pop it on the grill. It’s perfect for a sunny day or a family dinner. Who doesn’t love that? 🍗🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, thighs work well too! They’re a bit richer in flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil as a substitute.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If you’re in a pinch, use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better!
Herbs: Dried oregano is traditional in Greek cooking. You can swap in Italian seasoning if that’s what you have. Fresh herbs always enhance the flavor if you can get them.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. If garlic powder is all you have, use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is simple but requires a little patience. A good marinade needs time for the flavors to seep in. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well to combine all flavors. Use a bowl or a jar for easy whisking.
- Coat the chicken fully. Use a zip-lock bag or shallow dish, ensuring all pieces are covered evenly.
- Timing matters! Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes; longer (up to 4 hours) brings out more flavor. Avoid going over 12 hours, as it might make the chicken mushy.
Always grill the chicken after removing it from the marinade. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and keeps it juicy!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time (which includes making the marinade) and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. For the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. After marinating, grilling the chicken takes about 12-14 minutes. Don’t forget a 5-minute resting time after grilling for perfectly tender chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. This mix will give your chicken a burst of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure it’s fully coated. This helps lock in all those amazing flavors!
3. Time to Chill:
Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 30 minutes — but if you have more time, 2-4 hours will make the chicken even tastier. Just don’t marinate for more than 12 hours, as it might make the chicken too soft!
4. Get Your Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it up on medium-high as well, and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade and throw the marinade away. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see nice grill marks.
6. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in, making each bite tender and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and garnish it with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Greek marinated chicken!
This recipe will leave you with tender, aromatic grilled chicken breasts that are bursting with a bright lemon-herb flavor. Perfect for a summer meal or any time you crave some tasty chicken!
FAQ for Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon Juice?
No worries! You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but using fresh juice gives the best flavor. If using bottled, choose one with no added sugars or preservatives for a more authentic taste.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 12 hours. However, marinating for 2-4 hours yields the best flavor without compromising the chicken’s texture.
Can This Chicken Be Made in the Oven?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Just make sure to check on it to avoid overcooking!
