Why Make This Recipe
Greek Chicken Marinade is a simple and flavorful way to infuse your chicken with vibrant Mediterranean tastes. This marinade uses ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs, giving the chicken a zesty twist that makes it perfect for grilling. Whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or cooking a weeknight dinner, this marinade is easy to make and brings a delicious punch to your chicken dishes.
How to Make Greek Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 to 3 breasts, or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness. Pat dry and place in a large resealable bag.
- Zest and juice the lemons. Whisk together lemon juice and zest with honey, oregano, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade and refrigerate.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, turn to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the marinade, and grill for 6 to 8 minutes or until cooked through.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the reserved marinade, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Marinade
Serve the grilled chicken with sides like a Greek salad, rice, or pita bread. You can also add a yogurt sauce or tzatziki for an extra flavor boost. This dish not only looks beautiful but also tastes refreshing, making it a hit at any gathering.
How to Store Greek Chicken Marinade
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just seal it in an airtight bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight first.
Tips to Make Greek Chicken Marinade
- Adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra zest, use more lemon juice.
- Make sure not to over-marinate the chicken; 2 hours is usually the maximum time to keep it tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variation
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook.
2. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler in your oven.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
Greek Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
Method
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to an even thickness.
- Pat dry and place in a large resealable bag.
- Zest and juice the lemons. Whisk together lemon juice and zest with honey, oregano, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade and refrigerate.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, turn to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the marinade, and grill for 6 to 8 minutes or until cooked through.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the reserved marinade, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
