When it comes to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken, this Greek Chicken Marinade is unbeatable. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ, prepping meals for the week, or cooking up a quick dinner, this marinade delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Infused with Mediterranean ingredients like lemon, garlic, oregano, and a touch of Greek yogurt for extra tenderness, this recipe will transport your kitchen straight to a sun-soaked Greek island.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For the Marinade:
- 80ml extra virgin olive oil
- 60ml fresh 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 smoky depth)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for brightness)
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Marinade:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional spices in a medium bowl until fully combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, coating each piece evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 4–6 hours or overnight for best flavor).
3. Cook the Chicken:
Choose your favorite cooking method:
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet with a bit of oil. Sear chicken 6–8 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F).
4. Rest and Serve:
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot or cold in salads, wraps, or bowls.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 420mg
🔥 Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the yogurt: It makes the chicken tender and juicy.
- Fresh lemon is key: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: Up to 24 hours if you have time.
- Reserve some marinade: Set aside a small amount before adding the chicken to drizzle over cooked meat.
- Add veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions pair perfectly with the marinade.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
- Packed with bold, zesty flavor
- Easy to prepare with basic ingredients
- Works with multiple cooking methods
- Perfect for meal prep and healthy eating
- Great hot or cold, in wraps, salads, or bowls
🧂 How to Serve
- Greek Salad: Pair with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
- In a Pita: Add tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- Rice Bowl: Serve over lemon herb rice with veggies.
- With Sides: Add grilled vegetables, hummus, and warm flatbread.