Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved something that’s equal parts bright, bold, and irresistibly juicy, my Greek Marinated Chicken will absolutely win you over. A dreamy blend of olive oil, zesty citrus, creamy Greek yogurt, and aromatic herbs soaks beautifully into tender chicken breast, making every bite mouthwatering and full of flavor. Whether you’re a meal prep devotee, a grill master, or just in search of an instantly crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this Greek Marinated Chicken is about to become your next obsession—just wait until you catch that Mediterranean aroma while it’s cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need a complicated shopping list to make Greek Marinated Chicken taste like a sun-drenched vacation. These humble, everyday ingredients each play a crucial role in delivering bold flavors, juicy texture, and dazzling color straight from your very own kitchen.

• Olive oil: Rich, silky olive oil is the backbone of a great marinade and infuses the chicken with moisture and a classic Mediterranean undertone.
• Greek yogurt (plain): This adds a gorgeous tang and helps tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy, delicious chicken every single time.
• Lemons (zest of 1, juice of 3): Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the marinade and give the dish its signature zing—don’t skimp on these!
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced): There’s nothing quite like garlic for depth and aromatic heat; fresh garlic really makes the flavors pop.
• Dried oregano (2 tablespoons): Oregano brings a classic Greek flavor and a hint of earthiness that ties all the ingredients together.
• Coriander (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of coriander seed lends citrusy warmth and complexity to the marinade.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): This sneaky ingredient adds gentle sweetness and savory notes without any prepping or chopping.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, it sharpens all the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint for a subtle kick that enhances the other herbs and spices.
• Chicken breast (2 lbs.): Boneless, skinless chicken breast soaks up the marinade beautifully, making it the ideal canvas for this dish.

How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want room to toss!), and combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is creamy and wonderfully aromatic. This vibrant blend is where all the Greek Marinated Chicken magic begins—the yogurt makes it luscious, while the lemon and herbs bring it to life.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts into the bowl and use tongs or clean hands to really coat them on all sides. The marinade should cling thickly, hugging every crevice of the meat. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if you want maximum flavor. For extra-juicy Greek Marinated Chicken, be sure to pull the bowl out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook, letting the chicken come to room temperature for even cooking.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Grill Pan

When you’re ready to cook, set your oven to 400°F and place a lightly oiled grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat. This combo gives you that coveted golden sear from the grill and a fully cooked, juicy middle thanks to the oven. If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular oven-safe skillet will work in a pinch!

Step 4: Sear and Finish in the Oven

Lay the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill pan and sear on one side for about 5 minutes—just until you see beautiful char marks and the edges start turning opaque. Flip each piece over, then transfer the whole pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Don’t rush this last bit: let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so all those delicious juices redistribute, ensuring your Greek Marinated Chicken is tender and flavorful from edge to edge.

How to Serve Greek Marinated Chicken

Garnishes

To bring out the absolute best in Greek Marinated Chicken, try topping each serving with a generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley or dill and maybe a sprinkle of crumbled feta. A few thin lemon slices or a dusting of sumac will lend extra color and zip, making this dish look just as incredible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This chicken is a main course superstar, happily paired with classics like herby roasted potatoes, fluffy lemon rice, or a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. For something simple, warm pita or a bowl of tzatziki makes every forkful feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Greek Marinated Chicken is also a meal prep dream—slice it onto a salad, tuck it into a pita wrap with crunchy veggies, or cube it for protein-packed grain bowls. For parties, try slicing it thin and arranging the pieces atop a mezze platter surrounded by dips and olives for a shareable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Marinated Chicken keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The yogurt-based marinade helps the chicken retain its juiciness, so you’ll enjoy tender leftovers even days later.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully—simply cool the cooked chicken completely, then wrap it tightly and stash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, freeze the chicken without any garnish so it stays fresh and flavorful.

Reheating

For reheating Greek Marinated Chicken, a low oven (around 275°F) works best; cover the chicken with foil so it doesn’t dry out. A quick zap in the microwave is fine in a pinch, but the oven ensures your chicken stays juicy and appealing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving than breasts, absorbing the marinade beautifully and providing tons of flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as thighs may need a couple extra minutes in the oven.

Do I have to let the chicken marinate overnight?

While overnight marinating delivers the deepest flavor, you’ll still get fabulous results with just 30 minutes. The yogurt and lemon work quickly to tenderize and season the chicken, making this a great choice for both plan-ahead and last-minute meals.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to gently remove just the bright yellow outer layer (avoiding the bitter white pith). The zest is packed full of fragrant oils that make your Greek Marinated Chicken sing with fresh citrus notes.

Can I grill Greek Marinated Chicken outside instead?

Definitely! Fire up your barbecue or outdoor grill, preheat to medium-high, and follow the same instructions for searing and finishing, adjusting cook time as needed. Grill marks add a smoky boost to the classic Mediterranean flavors.

Is Greek Marinated Chicken gluten free?

Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten free. Always double-check ingredient labels (especially your yogurt and spices) to be sure, but you shouldn’t run into any trouble here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s deliciously simple but never boring, Greek Marinated Chicken checks every box. It’s fresh, full of sunshine, and so easy to make on any night of the week. Give it a try—you and anyone lucky enough to share your table will want to make this one again and again!

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