This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is a tasty dish packed with flavors from olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for grilling or baking, making any meal special!
I love how simple this recipe is! Just mix the marinade, let the chicken soak up all the goodness, and then cook. It’s like a little trip to Greece on my plate! 🇬🇷
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs for more flavor or even tofu if you’re going meatless!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil not only adds richness but also helps with marinating. If you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil are good substitutes.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice works, or you can use bottled juice in a pinch, though fresh is always best.
Herbs: Dried oregano is classic in Greek cooking. Feel free to swap in fresh oregano if you have it; just use more! You can also try fresh herbs if available.
Garlic: Fresh is always the way to go for a robust flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The trick to juicy chicken is in the marinating! Here’s how to make it work:
- Marinate Long Enough: Aim for at least 2 hours. The longer it soaks (up to overnight), the better the flavor!
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C). Overcooking dries it out.
- Rest It: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute. Don’t skip this step!
With these tips, your Easy Greek Marinated Chicken will be delicious and perfect every time!
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute fresh thyme, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 to 4 hours. Cooking will take another 15 minutes, so plan for a total of around 25 minutes plus marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the garlic is evenly distributed.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 2 to 4 hours for a kick of flavor!
3. Preheating the Grill or Pan:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grate or pan.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess liquid. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have beautiful grill marks. If you prefer using a skillet, you can cook them the same way, flipping them once.
5. Resting the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is super important because it helps the juices stay locked in, keeping your chicken nice and juicy!
6. Serving:
Finally, you can slice the chicken if you’d like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze that fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before you dig in for an extra zing!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Easy Greek Marinated Chicken with any side of your choice — it pairs perfectly with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
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 to 4 hours. If you want to marinate it overnight, that’s fine too — just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the chicken can become mushy from the acidity in the marinade.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. However, be cautious with the amount; start with a little less than what the recipe calls for and add to taste, as bottled juices vary in acidity.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it juicy!
