This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is full of flavor! Juicy chicken is soaked in a yummy mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for a quick dinner or a backyard BBQ!
You really can’t go wrong with this recipe—just marinate, grill, and enjoy! I love serving it with a fresh salad or some warm pita. You’ll impress everyone with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for easy grilling. However, you can also use thighs for more juiciness. If you’re using bone-in pieces, just adjust grilling time.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with marinating. If you need a lighter option, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. They both have high smoke points too!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is best. Try adding lime for a twist!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch in the marinade. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a decent substitute, but fresh is always tastier.
Dried Oregano: This is a must for that classic Greek flavor. If you can’t find it, Italian seasoning is a suitable substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but will still be delicious!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is essential for tender, flavorful chicken, and it’s super easy! The longer you marinate, the more flavor gets absorbed. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all your marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk well! This blends the flavors nicely.
- Place the chicken in a sealed bag or dish, pour in the marinade, and ensure every piece is coated. Squeeze out the air if using a bag.
- Refrigerate! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal. For deeper flavor, overnight is great too.
- Before grilling, remove the chicken and shake off excess marinade. This prevents flare-ups on the grill!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek or regular)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating time. You can marinate it for longer—2-4 hours is great, and overnight will really deepen the flavor! The actual grilling will take around 12-16 minutes. So, in total, plan for some hands-off marinating time and about 30 minutes of active work.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme or rosemary (if you’re using it), cumin (if you like a twist), salt, and pepper. This tasty mixture will make your chicken burst with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer times will make it even tastier!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Be sure to oil the grates lightly or spray them with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess (you can throw away the leftover marinade). Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it has lovely grill marks.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Slice or serve the breasts whole, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra bright kick!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy Greek-style grilled chicken with a fresh salad, rice, or warm pita bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use thighs for more juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time; thighs may take a little longer.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great way to enhance the flavors! Just make sure to keep the chicken in the refrigerator while it marinates to prevent any food safety issues.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you need to substitute olive oil, consider using avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Both have a high smoke point, making them suitable for grilling, and they will work well with the flavors of this marinade.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out.
