This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor! With simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and herbs, it’s a sun-kissed delight for your taste buds.
Marinating overnight makes the chicken super tasty. Perfect for grilling or baking, it’s a go-to dish for a quick dinner or a weekend barbecue. Trust me, your friends will love it! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat, which tends to be juicier.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil really boosts the flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with canola or avocado oil, but the taste won’t be the same. Use what you have!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Herbs: Greek oregano adds authenticity, but regular oregano is fine. You could also use Italian seasoning as a substitute. Fresh herbs can also work; use about three times more.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is more flavorful than garlic powder. Feel free to adjust it based on your garlic love level!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken is all about flavor and tenderness. The longer you marinate, the better, as it infuses flavors deep into the meat. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish—this helps the chicken soak up flavors.
- Seal tightly to avoid spills and refrigerate. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
Pro tip: If you poke the chicken with a fork before marinating, it helps absorb more flavors!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or up to overnight). Grilling the chicken will take around 12-16 minutes. So, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 1 hour and a half, perfect for a weekday dinner or weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, mix together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir until everything is well combined, and it smells wonderful!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Carefully pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, letting it sit overnight will make it even tastier!
3. Prepping to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil or a non-stick spray.
4. Grilling the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Remove it from the marinade (just toss that leftover marinade) and place the chicken breasts on the hottest part of the grill. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have beautiful grill marks.
5. Serving Up:
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley and arrange lemon wedges around the chicken for a lovely presentation. Serve hot, and don’t forget to squeeze some extra lemon juice on top for a delightful zesty kick!
Enjoy this juicy, zesty Greek-inspired chicken alongside a fresh Greek salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or warm pita bread for a satisfying and delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should be 165°F / 74°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, try to marinate it overnight! Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to change the texture of the chicken.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover marinade chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. For best flavor, consume the leftovers within a couple of days.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have a grill!
