When it comes to grilled chicken that’s bursting with flavor and stays juicy every single time, this Greek Chicken Marinade is truly the gold standard. 🍋🌿 Whether you're planning a quick weeknight meal, a backyard BBQ, or a healthy meal prep, this marinade will become your new go-to.
Made with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a touch of yogurt for tenderness, it captures all the bright and savory Mediterranean flavors we crave.
The best part? It’s super simple to whip up, and your kitchen will smell like a Greek island in no time!
🛒 Ingredients
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 80ml extra virgin olive oil
- 60ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for extra freshness)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — but for best results, marinate for 4–6 hours. (Overnight is even better if you have the time!)
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and beautifully charred.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it over a fresh Greek salad, in pita wraps, or alongside lemon rice.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 420mg
🔥 Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the yogurt! It’s the secret to unbelievably tender chicken.
- Use fresh lemons, not bottled juice — it makes a huge difference in flavor!
- Reserve a bit of marinade (before adding raw chicken) to drizzle over cooked chicken for even more flavor.
- Add veggies to the grill: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions go perfectly with this marinade.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate chicken, cook, and refrigerate for easy salads, wraps, or bowls all week long.
🌟 Why This Greek Chicken Marinade is the BEST
- Incredibly flavorful: Every bite bursts with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Super versatile: Grill it, bake it, or sear it!
- Healthy and clean ingredients: No funky additives — just real food.
- Perfect for meal prep: Delicious hot or cold!
- Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, with optional spice for the adults.
🥗 How to Serve Greek Chicken
- In a Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and Kalamata olives.
- Wrapped in a warm pita with tzatziki sauce and veggies.
- Over a lemon herb rice bowl for a hearty meal.
- Sliced and served with grilled vegetables and a side of hummus.
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