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The Best Greek Chicken Marinade

The Best Greek Chicken Marinade
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The Best Greek Chicken Marinade is a fresh, zesty, and flavor-packed blend of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper that transforms chicken into a juicy, tender Mediterranean delight. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade locks in moisture and infuses your chicken with authentic Greek flavors for a simple yet vibrant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 3–4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (for creaminess and extra tenderizing)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish or mixing in)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and zest the lemon to maximize flavor infusion. Squeeze fresh lemon juice using a handheld juicer to avoid seeds.
  2. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. If a creamy texture is desired, gently fold in Greek yogurt here.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and cook using preferred method—grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or pan-sear until golden and cooked through.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving with favorite sides or garnishes.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh lemon juice and herbs to maximize vibrant flavor.
  • Marinate Longer: For the juiciest texture, marinate chicken overnight but not more than 24 hours to prevent over-tenderizing.
  • Pat Dry Before Cooking: Remove excess marinade to avoid steaming the chicken, ensuring better browning and crispness.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness when slicing.
  • Adjust Salt Last: If adding sides or sauces, taste and modify seasoning at the end to balance all elements.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken marinade, Mediterranean chicken, lemon garlic chicken, grilled chicken marinade, baked Greek chicken

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/the-best-greek-chicken-marinade/