This Easy Greek Marinated Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! Simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and herbs make it a tasty dish that anyone can love.
I love how easy it is to whip this up before a busy day. Just marinate the chicken, pop it on the grill or stovetop, and enjoy a meal that feels special without the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with avocado oil or even vegetable oil, but the taste will be slightly different.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the chicken. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is my go-to for more vibrant flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon instead. But fresh is always the best choice!
Herbs: Oregano is key, but you can mix in other herbs like basil or parsley if you prefer. Dried herbs work well here, but fresh ones can bring even more flavor!
How Can I Make the Chicken Extra Juicy?
To achieve juicy, flavorful chicken, marinating is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to marinate for at least one hour; longer (2-4 hours) yields a stronger flavor.
- Use a resealable bag to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling; it helps redistribute the juices!
Monitor the grill temperature carefully, as medium-high heat allows for nice browning without drying out the chicken.
Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15–20 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to grill. The marinating time is ideally 2-4 hours for the best flavor, but you can get away with just 1 hour if you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined to create your flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, aim for 2-4 hours.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If needed, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You should see nice grill marks on the chicken!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Greek marinated chicken that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Greek Marinated Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier than breasts. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time, as thighs might take a few more minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Should I Do If I’m Short on Time?
If you’re in a hurry, you can marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes instead of a few hours. This will still impart some flavor, although longer marinating is recommended for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to dry it out.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken. Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze before grilling. It can be cooked directly from frozen, but you may need to add a bit more grilling time.
