Ingredients
Scale
For the Greek Chicken Marinade
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Chicken
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 8–10 chicken thighs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning as desired. The honey is optional, but it helps balance the tanginess of the lemon and vinegar.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the acidity can start to break down the texture of the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Marinated Chicken
Grilling Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the marinated chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (depending on thickness) until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pan-Seared Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
- Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing.
Step 4: Serve the Chicken
- Garnish the cooked chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
- Serve alongside your favorite Mediterranean sides, such as Greek salad, tzatziki, pita bread, or rice pilaf.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: Varies based on cooking method
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 marinated and cooked chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g