This Greek Chicken Marinade brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen! It combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a zesty flavor that makes chicken sing.
Making this marinade is super easy, and it makes chicken so juicy and tasty! I love to whip it up and let the chicken soak before grilling—it’s like a little vacation on a plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is the base of your marinade. Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. If you’re out, any neutral oil like canola or avocado can work, but the taste won’t be as rich.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty kick. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can do in a pinch. However, the fresh version really enhances the dish!
Garlic: Using fresh garlic provides a stronger flavor than powdered garlic. You can adjust according to your taste—more garlic for a bolder flavor or less for subtlety. Garlic powder can be used as a last resort (1/8 teaspoon per clove).
Dried Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and basil create a lovely Mediterranean flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute. Use three times the amount, as fresh herbs tend to be milder.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but add a bit of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, leave them out or reduce the amount. You could also use black pepper for subtle warmth instead.
How Do I Properly Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients thoroughly in a bowl to combine flavors.
- Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, ensuring it has enough room for the marinade to coat evenly.
- Pour the marinade over and seal tight, making sure all parts of the chicken are covered.
- Refrigeration is crucial! Ideally, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight. If short on time, even 30 minutes helps.
Remember, the longer you let the chicken soak up those flavors, the better it will taste! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Greek Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek chicken marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight if you can wait! Cooking time varies depending on whether you grill or bake the chicken, adding about 20-30 minutes to your meal time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. This mixture is what will infuse your chicken with flavor!
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep the goodness inside. Now, pop it in the fridge! Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best taste, aim for 2-4 hours or overnight.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, give the grates a light oiling to help avoid sticking. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. If grilling, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
4. Final Touches:
Once your chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy! Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a splash of color and a burst of flavor. Serve with your favorite sides or a cooling yogurt sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Greek chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use thighs or drumsticks. Just note that bone-in pieces will take longer to cook, approximately 10-15 minutes more than boneless, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead. Generally, use about one-third of the amount, so for this recipe, use 1/3 teaspoon of each dried herb. Just keep in mind that dried herbs may need a bit more time to unleash their flavor, so it’s great to let the marinade sit a little longer!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours or even up to overnight! Just keep it in the fridge during this time to ensure it stays fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled or baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
