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Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

This Greek Chicken Marinade recipe offers a vibrant and zesty way to prepare juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breasts or thighs. Infused with fresh lemon, oregano, garlic, and a touch of honey, this marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a healthy and easy dinner, the chicken is grilled to perfection, brushed with the reserved marinade, and rested before serving for maximum tenderness and taste.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2–3 breasts, or thighs)

Marinade

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, & thyme)
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • Zest of 2 large lemons (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Serving Suggestions

  • Greek salad
  • Pita bread
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Roasted vegetables

Instructions

  1. Prep The Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Cover the pieces with plastic wrap and pound them evenly using a meat mallet or the bottom of a pan to ensure uniform thickness. Pat dry with a paper towel and place the chicken in a large resealable bag.
  2. Make The Marinade: Zest the lemons to collect about 1 teaspoon zest and juice them to get 1/4 cup lemon juice. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest with honey, dried oregano, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a separate container; cover and refrigerate for basting later.
  3. Marinate: Pour the remaining marinade into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Turn the bag to coat the chicken evenly and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, but no longer to avoid over-tenderizing.
  4. Grill: Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C) and lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil or a cooking spray to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade in the bag. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6–8 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. Cook until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as carryover heat will raise it to the safe 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest And Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and brush with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite Greek-inspired sides such as salad, pita, or tzatziki sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, but fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
  • Serving the chicken with a Greek salad, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile and makes a complete meal.
  • Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours to prevent it from becoming mushy due to the lemon’s acidity.
  • Ensure grill grates are well oiled before cooking to avoid the chicken sticking and tearing apart.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/greek-chicken-marinade-recipe/