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Greek chicken marinade - Grilled Greek chicken skewers with a side of tzatziki and fresh salad.

Classic Greek Chicken Marinade

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An authentic and zesty Greek chicken marinade featuring lemon, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place the chicken into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
Step 3: Pour the prepared Greek chicken marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. If using a bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing.
Step 4: Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4-6 hours, or even overnight for best results. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours.
Step 5: Before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Discard any remaining marinade.
Step 6: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Alternatively, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 7: Grill chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or thighs for 8-10 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, bake for 20-25 minutes. If pan-frying, cook for 5-7 minutes per side.
Step 8: Remove chicken from heat and let rest on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate. You can also freeze marinated chicken for a quick meal prep option.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breast (approx. 4oz)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
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