Greek Chicken
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Celebrate fresh Mediterranean flavors with my Greek chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a lemon-and-olive-oil blend, then grilled until lightly charred and juicy!
My Greek chicken recipe makes chicken breast exciting again!
This Greek chicken is one of those recipes that my partner and I make on repeat. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but just as good when we’re grilling or having family over. I usually use chicken breasts, though chicken tenderloins work just as well if that’s what I have on hand.
The chicken is tossed in a tangy, zesty, herbaceous blend before being grilled until the exterior is lightly blackened, but the center remains tender and juicy…all with minimal prep. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Juicy, tender, and moist in the middle. No dry or rubbery chicken here, I promise.
- Minimal ingredients, big flavor. This dish gets its flavor not from the number of ingredients used but from the freshness and quality.
- Budget-friendly. Chicken breasts are affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
- Perfect for meal prep. The leftovers are just as good in salads, bowls, or sandwiches.
Let’s make this together now!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Just made this tonight, and it was excellent. Super easy for so much flavor.” – Becky
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Chicken breasts. I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken tenders work just as well if you want something that cooks a little faster. If your chicken breasts are especially large, slice them in half lengthwise and pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Lemon herb marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. It gives the chicken plenty of flavor without needing hours to marinate.
- Melted butter. For brushing on the chicken right before serving. It adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges. For garnish.
How to make Greek chicken
Step 1- Marinate. Whisk together the marinade ingredients, add the chicken, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or overnight.
Step 2- Grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Once hot, Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Step 3- Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Get the grill nice and hot. You want the chicken to sizzle as soon as it hits the grates. That’s what gives you those lightly charred edges while keeping the inside juicy.
- Let the chicken rest. I always leave it for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. It keeps the juices in the meat instead of all over the cutting board.
- No grill? No problem. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet, then transfer to a 400°F oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Using chicken tenderloins? They cook much faster than chicken breasts, so start checking them after 7 minutes on the grill. They’re done once they reach 165°F, and because they’re thinner, it’s easy to overcook them if you leave them on too long.
What to serve with this dish
For Greek-inspired sides, serve it with my Greek couscous salad, Greek pasta salad, or in my Greek chicken bowls. You can also make a quick Greek salad by combining sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and kalamata olives in an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
15-Minute Greek Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in the fridge for 5 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Once hot, Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. After resting, the chicken's internal temperature will rise to 165°F.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
No. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn’t need hours of marinating. Even 5 minutes gives the chicken plenty of fresh lemon-and-herb flavor. If you have more time, you can marinate it for 2-4 hours, but it’s not essential. Just don’t do longer than 24 hours, or else the marinade will break down the chicken.
Yes, freezing raw marinated chicken is convenient and easy. Simply place the raw marinated chicken in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight before reheating.
More easy chicken dinners
Originally published June 2023
Such a juicy and tasty chicken. I know Greeka love to use lemon so much.
Really easy recipe. I didnt know Greek people eat like this!
Just made this tonight and it was excellent. Super easy for so much flavor.
Thanks, Becky!
ARMAN!! I just want to THANK🙏🏻YOU, again, for all of these delicious, savory, sweet, easy to follow RECIPES!!!!🙏🏻😋👌🏻💕👍🏻🙏🏻
I am 60 years old, a mom of 3 grown children, and my husband and l live in Iowa – between Illinois and Nebraska, right in the middle of the Midwest…. Lots of corn fields all around us. But I love all of your recipes because there’s such a fantastic variety! Thank YOU!
I’m so grateful to you, for the health of them all, as well!! So delicious and healthy and fun to share with my family!
With gratitude,
Laurel
We are just back from a Greece Vacation & was missing the food! This recipe came just in time! The flavor was perfectly robust & delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Great to hear that and hope you had an enjoyable trip 🙂
Sounds great You mention something about brushing with butter after grilling ….but do not mention again in the recipe method ?? Looking forward to making this recipe and serving it with a delicious chopped Greek Quinoa salad recipe I have …. ** Cooking extra chicken for meze platter to share with friends 🥂🤩
Will fix it!! That salad sounds delicious 🙂