Name: The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 2 lemons (juiced); 1 lemon (zested); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped); 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 6 large chicken breasts (approximately 4 pounds)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for a fresh and outrageously flavorful way to transform chicken, look no further than The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe. Loaded with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil, this marinade promises chicken that’s perfectly juicy and bursting with classic Mediterranean flair every single time. Whether you’re grilling out with friends or elevating a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings sunshine, simplicity, and incredible taste to your table in just a few easy steps.

The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe so outstanding is its blend of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one is chosen to boost flavor, moisture, or color, so don’t skip a thing in this line-up!

Olive oil: The key to juicy, tender chicken that soaks up all the flavors while keeping everything moist on the grill.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the marinade with unmistakable Mediterranean depth and aroma.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemons add the perfect tangy brightness and help soften the chicken before grilling.
Lemon zest: Don’t skip the zest! It packs concentrated citrus flavor and lovely color.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme brings an extra layer of complexity to every bite.
Fresh oregano: Oregano’s bold and peppery notes are classic in Greek cuisine, giving the marinade its unmistakable signature.
Fresh rosemary: This herb offers piney undertones and elevates the aroma beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds greenness and a hit of freshness that rounds out the marinade.
Salt: Essential for boosting all those lively flavors and properly seasoning the chicken.
Freshly ground black pepper: For gentle heat and a finishing touch of robust spice.
Chicken breasts: Choose large, meaty breasts for maximum flavor absorption and juicy results on the grill.

How to Make The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab a large, shallow mixing bowl and add in the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and all those aromatic chopped herbs—thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade looks vibrant and slightly creamy from the blend of oil and citrus. This is the flavor powerhouse that will make your chicken shine.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts directly into your freshly made marinade. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to thoroughly coat each piece, making sure every nook and cranny is enveloped in that herby, garlicky goodness. Pop the bowl in the fridge to let the magic happen: 30 minutes will do in a pinch, but letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give you even more depth of flavor.

Step 3: Prep and Heat the Grill

Before the chicken hits the flames, take a minute to prep your grill. Scrub the grates clean and lightly oil them with vegetable oil or a quick spritz of cooking spray. Preheat the grill to medium-high; you want those grates hot enough to give a satisfying sizzle, but not so hot that the herbs burn.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off (discard the used marinade). Place the breasts directly on the grill and cover. Grill for about 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium. After another 2 minutes, flip the chicken with tongs and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes more, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part. You’ll get tantalizing grill marks and perfectly juicy chicken.

Step 5: Rest Before Slicing

Once grilled, transfer chicken breasts to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes—this locks in those flavorful juices. Slice and serve, and marvel at how just a handful of fresh ingredients created The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe you’ve ever tasted.

How to Serve The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can make The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe even more irresistible. Try scattering extra chopped fresh parsley or oregano just before serving, or add some thin lemon wedges for a pop of color and brightness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil works wonders, too!

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to classic sides like roasted potatoes, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or a pile of fluffy Greek-style rice. Warm pita bread or a wedge of grilled flatbread will help scoop up every tender morsel and leftover juices. Don’t forget a dollop of cool tzatziki for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe into a colorful platter by slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens and sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. You can also tuck the sliced chicken into warm pita wraps with veggies and sauce for a handheld feast, or build a beautiful Mediterranean grain bowl with your favorite grains and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors will continue to meld, making for insanely delicious leftovers that stay fresh for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature for a quick lunch or easy dinner salad.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cooked chicken and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a future taste of summer.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover to avoid drying out. The vibrant flavors of The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe stand up beautifully, even as leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken besides breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs, drumsticks, or even wings work wonderfully with this marinade. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, since dark meat tends to be even juicier and forgiving on the grill.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe. Marinating much longer might make the chicken overly soft due to the lemon juice. If prepping ahead, you can leave it up to 8 hours, but avoid overnight.

Do I have to grill the chicken?

Not at all! You can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 22–26 minutes, or cook it in a hot skillet. The marinade’s flavors shine no matter how you cook the chicken.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs bring bright, lively flavor that makes this marinade pop, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of each herb, since dried herbs have more concentrated flavor.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe is absolutely meal prep–friendly. Cook the chicken ahead, slice, and store for salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week—it tastes great cold and is endlessly versatile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring bold, sun-soaked flavors to your table, you simply have to try The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe. There’s a reason it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I know it’ll become a go-to favorite for you, too. Invite some friends, fire up the grill, and watch this bright, herb-packed chicken steal the show!

The Best Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Greek Chicken Marinade recipe is the perfect way to add a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your grilled chicken. The combination of olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon creates a juicy and flavorful chicken dish that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the marinade. Add all ingredients for the marinade to a large shallow mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to two hours.
Prepare the grill. Clean and oil grill grates. Set grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken. Grill chicken for about 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium. Flip and continue grilling until chicken reaches 160°F.
Allow chicken to rest. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek