If you are craving a dish that is bursting with vibrant flavors and tender juiciness, this Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Infused with aromatic herbs and creamy Greek yogurt, this chicken is marinated to perfection, offering a fantastic balance of tangy, smoky, and herbaceous notes that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or planning a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is simple to prepare and absolutely packed with flavor, leaving your taste buds singing long after the meal is done.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these ingredients is easy, and each one plays an essential role in building the depth and complexity of flavor that make this Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe so special. From the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the aromatic freshness of oregano, each component creates a harmony that makes the dish shine.
- Chicken breasts (3 large): The perfect lean protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): Acts as a tenderizing agent while adding creamy tanginess that keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
- Juiced lemon (1/2): Adds a fresh burst of acidity that brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the yogurt.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the marinade’s silkiness and helps the chicken develop a beautiful char when grilled.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Offers a pungent, savory depth that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Oregano (1 tablespoon): The quintessential Greek herb that gives the dish its authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle sweet earthiness that rounds out the herbaceous flavor profile.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, nutty undertone that adds complexity without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky heat that gives the chicken an irresistible color and flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full taste of all the ingredients.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of spice, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining all ingredients except the chicken in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. This marinade is the key to locking in flavor and providing that signature tangy, herbaceous kick that defines the Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Drop the chicken breasts into the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the yogurt mixture. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for 1 to 3 hours. This resting period allows the yogurt and spices to penetrate deeply, tenderizing the meat and developing those vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Your favorite way to cook this chicken is on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lay the chicken down, cooking for approximately 6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches a juicy, safe 165°F. Be mindful not to crank up the heat too high because the yogurt coating can burn. If grilling isn’t an option, baking in the oven or pan-searing on the stove works just as well, giving you versatility with this Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this chicken is where personal flair shines. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a wedge of lemon for squeezing, or even some crumbled feta cheese offers a burst of color and layered flavors that enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with traditional Greek sides like a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or fluffy lemon rice. Roasted vegetables or a simple couscous salad also work beautifully, rounding out the meal and giving those fresh, sunny flavors a perfect home.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the grilled chicken and serving it over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of tzatziki for a light lunch. Or wrap the chicken with veggies and hummus in a pita pocket for a handheld delight. The Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe adapts wonderfully to many presentations, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Marinated Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It remains moist and flavorful, making it great for packed lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container to preserve its freshness.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. This careful reheating helps maintain its tender texture and delicious flavor without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to remain even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken from 1 to 3 hours for the best texture and flavor. Marinating it too long might start breaking down the meat excessively due to the yogurt’s acidity.
Is this recipe suitable for a grill pan or stovetop?
Yes, this Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe works perfectly on a grill pan or stovetop. Just keep the heat medium to avoid burning the yogurt coating and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before mixing with the chicken.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine. The smoky element will be milder, but the overall flavor will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Tender, juicy, and bursting with vibrant herbs and spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the simple magic of this beautifully balanced chicken!
Print
Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Marinated Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and traditional Mediterranean spices. Perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking, this dish offers a tender, tangy, and aromatic experience, making it an ideal meal for a healthy and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredient
- 3 large chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, dried basil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well mixed to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the yogurt marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Cook on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch carefully because the yogurt can burn if exposed to too high heat. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or cook it on the stovetop in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, then serve hot. This chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh Greek salad, pita bread, or rice.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is essential for maximum flavor and tenderness; however, do not exceed 3 hours to prevent the yogurt from breaking down the meat excessively.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- If grilling, keep an eye on the chicken since yogurt can burn quickly at high heat; opt for medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for oven or stovetop cooking, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
