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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to 400ºF to prepare for cooking the chicken and ensure a nice sear.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
