This Greek Marinated Chicken is bursting with flavor! Marinated in herbs, lemon juice, and garlic, it’s juicy and tender. Perfect for grilling or baking, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Who can resist a plate of chicken that practically sings ‘Opa!’? I love serving it with a side of fresh veggies and tzatziki. It makes me feel like I’m on a Greek island! 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is the best choice for this recipe. If you want a different option, try chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a plant-based Greek yogurt.
Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are suitable replacements with mild flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: It gives a lovely acidity. You can swap it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if necessary.
Fresh Garlic: The more, the better! Add extra garlic for a stronger flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Ensure It Stays Juicy?
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook chicken, but you want to make sure it stays juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but overnight is best to fully absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your grill well. A hot grill creates nice sear marks and locks in moisture.
- Don’t skip the resting step! After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time!
How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate (overnight is best for flavor). Once marinating is done, grilling the chicken will take about 15 minutes. So overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you marinate for an hour, or about 1 hour and 45 minutes if you choose to marinate overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, coating each piece evenly with the marinade. You want every inch of the chicken covered! Once coated, either cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, get it nice and hot over medium heat. Next, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Throw away the leftover marinade—no need to use it again!
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks, and the chicken is done when its internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is helpful here if you have one!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in, making the chicken tender and delicious. Finally, slice the chicken, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy your tasty Greek Marinated Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute in this recipe. They’re juicier and can handle longer marination without drying out. Just follow the same marinating and grilling instructions, and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked properly.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
Don’t worry! You can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, apple cider vinegar works well too. Just keep the ratio the same for best results.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before adding your chicken, as the ingredients may separate over time.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent it from drying out. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist while reheating.
