Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken is a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s easy to make and perfect for grilling or baking. The zesty lemon and punchy garlic create a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. It’s an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prep. Versatile and packed with Mediterranean herbs, this marinated chicken can be served with a variety of sides or used in wraps and salads.
Ingredients
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (or dried oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chicken (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, nutmeg, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
- Cook the chicken:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), around 6-7 minutes per side for boneless cuts or 8-10 minutes per side for bone-in cuts.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, thighs or drumsticks for 40-45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Stovetop: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side for boneless cuts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook time: 20-45 minutes depending on the cut of chicken
- Total time: 30-55 minutes (including marination time)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Grilled Vegetables: Marinate and grill vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the chicken.
- Other Proteins: Try using the marinade with lamb, pork, or tofu for a different take.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. For bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks, marinate for 2-4 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Grill or bake them for a quick meal.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs are a good alternative if you don’t have fresh ones. Use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as the recipe calls for fresh.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor. It also makes a great meal prep option for the week.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works wonderfully with lamb, pork, and even fish.
How do I prevent the chicken from being too dry?
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right temperature without being cooked too long.
Can I bake the chicken if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Simply bake at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is cooked through.
What should I serve with this Greek marinated chicken?
Serve it with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken is a fantastic, flavorful recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a variety of cooking methods. The fresh lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs create a vibrant marinade that infuses the chicken with amazing flavors. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or cooking on the stovetop, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish with a vibrant Mediterranean marinade. Made with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. This versatile recipe works with any chicken cut and is ideal for family dinners, BBQs, or meal prep!
Ingredients
2 lemons (juice and zest)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon oregano (or dried oregano)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chicken (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
Instructions
-
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, nutmeg, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
-
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
-
Cook the chicken:
-
Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 6-7 minutes per side for boneless cuts or 8-10 minutes per side for bone-in cuts.
-
Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, thighs or drumsticks for 40-45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
-
Stovetop: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side for boneless cuts.
-
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Try grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the chicken.
This marinade works well for lamb, pork, or tofu as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
