Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This Greek chicken marinade blends creamy yogurt with fresh herbs and zesty lemon to create a flavorful and tender dish. Perfect for grilling, it’s a simple way to bring Mediterranean vibes to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (127 grams)
• 1/3 cup olive oil (2.5 ounces)
• Juice of 2 lemons (2.5 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Dash of salt & pepper
• 1.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (two filleted breasts or thin sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the filleted chicken breasts to the marinade and turn them to ensure they are fully coated.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to let the flavors infuse.
4. Step 4: Preheat your grill to 400ºF (204ºC).
5. Step 5: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill grates. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
7. Step 7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantities to about one-third for more concentrated flavor.
• For extra tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade.
• Try cooking the chicken on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight is fine and can enhance the flavor, but avoid going much beyond 8 hours to prevent the yogurt’s acidity from breaking down the chicken too much.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with lamb, pork, or even firm fish like swordfish for a delicious Mediterranean twist.

Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful Greek chicken marinade recipe that combines creamy yogurt, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon juice to tenderize and infuse boneless skinless chicken breasts. Perfectly grilled for a juicy, aromatic meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (127 grams)
• 1/3 cup olive oil (2.5 ounces)
• Juice of 2 lemons (2.5 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Dash of salt & pepper

Main Ingredient

• 1.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (two fileted breasts or thin sliced)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh oregano, fresh basil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a smooth marinade.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, turning them carefully to ensure they are thoroughly coated on all sides with the mixture.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken; marinate up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness and taste.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to 400ºF to prepare for cooking the chicken and ensure a nice sear.
5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill grates. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, indicating it is fully cooked. Timing may vary based on thickness.
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
7. Serve and Store: Serve the grilled Greek chicken immediately. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.

Notes

• Marinating for at least 2 hours up to 8 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165ºF.
• Fresh herbs are best for authentic flavor, but dried herbs can substitute in a pinch.
• If grilling is not an option, chicken breasts can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400ºF for 20-25 minutes.
• Resting the chicken after grilling is important for juicy results.
• Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Keywords: Greek chicken, chicken marinade, grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe, yogurt marinade, herb marinade