This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is packed with flavor! With simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Boneless chicken breast? No problem! I love how juicy and tender this chicken turns out. Just marinate, grill or bake, and voilà, a tasty meal that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, chicken thighs work great too, adding a richer flavor!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice fruity taste. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with avocado oil. Both are healthy fats!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for that bright flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but it may lack freshness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a robust flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder is a decent substitute, though it won’t be as strong.
Dried Herbs: Oregano is essential for a Greek flavor! If you don’t have thyme or basil handy, feel free to skip them or try other herbs like dill or rosemary.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To make sure your chicken comes out tender and packed with flavor, marinating is key! Here’s how to get the best results:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl or bag, and really mix them well. The more evenly coated the chicken is, the better!
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but try to aim for 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to really infuse.
- When grilling, ensure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help sear the outside and keep juices inside.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F (74°C) is the goal!
Enjoy this dish with a light salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and subtle flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time to marinate the chicken, plus at least 30 minutes to 4 hours for marinating in the fridge. Cooking the chicken on the grill will take an additional 12-14 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious Greek chicken ready in about 1 hour if you marinate for 30 minutes, or you can plan ahead and marinate longer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use a whisk or shake the bag well to mix everything together. This brings all those amazing flavors to life!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your chicken breasts to the marinade, turning them to coat every side thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it marinate for 2-4 hours will give you the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A quick tip is to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and they should have nice grill marks on them.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley and arrange some lemon wedges around for a burst of citrus when serving. Pair it with your favorite sides like a fresh Greek salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy the bright, herbaceous flavor of this easy Greek marinated chicken that pairs perfectly with lemon and fresh herbs!
FAQ for Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few more minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. If you marinate it overnight, that’s even better! Just be cautious not to go over 24 hours to avoid altering the texture.
What Can I Serve With Greek Marinated Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a Greek salad, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also add a side of tzatziki sauce for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Enjoy it cold in salads, too!
