Description
Greek Chicken Marinade infuses chicken with fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors. A combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates a tender and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano (or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tanginess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. For extra tang, add red wine vinegar.
- Marinate the chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure it’s evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill, bake, or pan-sear as desired. For grilling, cook on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side (for breasts). For baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes. For pan-searing, cook for 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or over rice or orzo.
Notes
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for heat.
- Herb variation: Use fresh oregano or thyme for a more vibrant flavor.
- For sweetness, add honey to the marinade to balance the acidity of the lemon.
- Vegan option: This marinade is great for tofu or vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Store leftover cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Discard leftover marinade after marinating the chicken to avoid contamination.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on cooking method)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
