This Greek Chicken Marinade is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It is the perfect way to transform simple chicken. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed dish. This marinade captures the essence of classic Greek cuisine in every bite. It is infused with the bright freshness of lemon juice. It also carries the earthy aroma of oregano and the richness of olive oil.
The combination of garlic, herbs, and tangy yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with layers of flavor. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, you will achieve beautifully golden chicken. The meat is succulent and offers a zesty and savory finish. This pairs perfectly with salads, rice, or pita bread.
This Greek chicken marinade is perfect for meal prep. It also works well for easy weeknight dinners. It requires just a few pantry staples yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor. It’s a versatile and healthy choice for anyone who loves bright, bold Mediterranean dishes.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Marinade
- ▢ 4 pieces chicken breast about to 1 lb
- ▢ ½ cup lemon juice (roughly 4 lemons or 3 large lemons)
- ▢ ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ▢ ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- ▢ 2 tablespoon oregano
- ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ▢ 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
Instructions for Making Greek Chicken Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the chicken and marinade into a plastic storage bag or freezer bag. Close and seal the bag securely while squeezing out excess air.
- Massage the marinade into the chicken by squishing the contents around the chicken.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
This Greek chicken marinade will yield 1 cup of marinade. I generally recommend ½ cup of marinade for each 1 pound of chicken. Nonetheless, I really enjoy the results with the doubled marinade amount.
Flattening the chicken breasts is best for quick and even cooking if you will be grilling whole chicken breasts. Put your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic cling film. Pound them with a meat mallet or tenderizer (the flat side). Start at the center of the chicken breast and work your way toward the edges.
Tips: Greek Chicken Marinade
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the most tender, flavorful results, marinate it for 2–6 hours or overnight.
- Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra creaminess and to help tenderize the meat.
- Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley enhance the Mediterranean flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Always discard leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken. Alternatively, boil it for a few minutes before using it as a sauce.
- This marinade works great for chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even skewers.
- Grill or bake the chicken over medium heat to prevent burning while keeping it juicy inside.
- Serve with tzatziki, Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a full meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How long should I marinate chicken in Greek marinade?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Longer marination allows the flavors to fully penetrate and tenderize the meat.
2. Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes! This Greek marinade works wonderfully with pork, lamb, shrimp, or even vegetables. Just adjust the marinating time—seafood and veggies need less time than chicken.
3. Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just stir before using.
4. Is Greek chicken marinade healthy?
Yes, it’s made with wholesome ingredients. These include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. All are known for their heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits.
5. Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Yes. Combine the raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking for an easy, flavorful meal.
6. What’s the best way to cook marinated Greek chicken?
Grilling, baking, or pan-searing all work well. For the most authentic flavor, grill over medium heat to get a slightly charred, smoky taste.
Greek Chicken Marinade
This super easy Greek Chicken Marinade combines lemon, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and oregano. It creates an amazing Mediterranean flavor. The chicken becomes tender and moist! Incredibly tasty Greek chicken is quick to mix up. You can start marinating in minutes. It uses only a handful of common ingredients!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breast about to 1 lb
- ½ cup lemon juice (roughly 4 lemons or 3 large lemons)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the chicken and marinade into a plastic storage bag or freezer bag. Close and seal the bag securely while squeezing out excess air.
- Massage the marinade into the chicken by squishing the contents around the chicken.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
This Greek chicken marinade will yield 1 cup of marinade. I generally recommend ½ cup of marinade for each 1 pound of chicken. Nonetheless, I really enjoy the results with the doubled marinade amount.
Flattening the chicken breasts is best for quick and even cooking if you will be grilling whole chicken breasts. Put your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic cling film. Pound them with a meat mallet or tenderizer (the flat side). Start at the center of the chicken breast and work your way toward the edges.
Tips: Greek Chicken Marinade
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the most tender, flavorful results, marinate it for 2–6 hours or overnight.
- Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra creaminess and to help tenderize the meat.
- Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley enhance the Mediterranean flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Always discard leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken. Alternatively, boil it for a few minutes before using it as a sauce.
- This marinade works great for chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even skewers.
- Grill or bake the chicken over medium heat to prevent burning while keeping it juicy inside.
- Serve with tzatziki, Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a full meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 30g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
