Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

This Greek Marinated Chicken is bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors thanks to a tangy yogurt and lemon marinade. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 3 lemons
• 5 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 lbs. chicken breast

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together in a large mixing bowl to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Remove chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, heat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
4. Step 4: Place chicken breasts in the hot grill pan and sear on one side for 5 minutes until nicely browned. Flip the chicken and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill when serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the marinade?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute plain yogurt or use a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice with extra seasoning.

Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

This Greek Marinated Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and tender dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices. The chicken is first seared on a grill pan and then finished in the oven, resulting in juicy, aromatic poultry that’s perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours (includes marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 3 lemons
• 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredient

• 2 lbs chicken breast

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature for even cooking.
3. Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). At the same time, heat a grill pan lightly brushed with oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
4. Sear the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill pan and sear on one side for 5 minutes without moving them, creating a nice crust and grill marks.
5. Bake to Finish: Flip the chicken breasts over, then transfer the entire grill pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
• Using a grill pan imparts grill marks and a smoky flavor without an outdoor grill.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Greek chicken, marinated chicken, grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken