The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe delivers bold, Mediterranean flavors in every juicy bite. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner, this marinade infuses your chicken with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil. Ready in just minutes, it transforms simple chicken breasts into a flavorful masterpiece. With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this easy recipe ensures you’ll never have bland chicken again. Read on to discover why this Greek-inspired marinade is a must-try, how to make it, and tips for customizing it to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe
This Greek chicken marinade is a go-to favorite for its perfect balance of brightness and earthiness. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a deeply flavorful result that’s tender and mouthwatering. It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this marinade guarantees delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pounds total)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Greek Chicken Marinade
- Make the Marinade: In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them with vegetable oil or nonstick spray. Heat to medium-high.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and lay it directly onto the hot grill grates. Discard any remaining marinade. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, then turn the heat down to medium. Cook for 2 more minutes, flip, and grill for another 5–7 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 160°F internally.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean serving plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t over-marinate; 2 hours is plenty to tenderize and flavor the chicken without making it mushy.
- Always let grilled chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—aim for 160°F before resting.
- If using smaller chicken cuts or thighs, adjust grill time accordingly.
Substitutions And Variations
- No Fresh Herbs? Substitute with dried herbs (use 1 teaspoon dried per tablespoon fresh).
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime or orange for a different flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Use Different Proteins: This marinade also works well with turkey, pork, or tofu.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover cooked chicken in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken (in a freezer bag) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Meal Prep: Use pre-cooked chicken throughout the week in wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
- Sodium: 521mg
- Potassium: 520mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 155 IU
- Vitamin C: 33.5 mg
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of couscous or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread.
- Slice and tuck into a wrap with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
- Add to a nourishing Mediterranean bowl with hummus, cucumbers, and briny olives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Marinade
Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating the chicken overnight—up to 12 hours—is ideal for deep flavor infusion. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours to avoid textural issues.
Is this marinade suitable for other meats? Absolutely! It’s great on turkey, pork chops, or even lamb.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of olive oil should I use? Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor and richness for marinades.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade? Yes. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw before cooking. It’s a great make-ahead option!
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this flavorful and effortless Greek chicken marinade recipe. I absolutely love how the zesty lemon and fresh herbs elevate the chicken, making it both simple and sensational. Whether you’re cooking for a gathering or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. I hope it becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every bite, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including minimum marinate time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Marinade is packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon—perfect for juicy grilled chicken every time.
Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 4 pounds)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice/zest, and herbs.
Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Grill chicken 5 minutes, reduce heat, cook 2 minutes more, flip and grill 5–7 more minutes or until internal temp hits 160°F.
Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can also bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. This marinade is freezer-friendly and works with turkey or pork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 25g